RE: Reality Smuggler (R-18)

 

On the drive back home...

 

I stared out the window while thinking about the encounter.

"Meeting them was most definitely random, a stroke of bad luck. However, it gave me a good wake-up call. My reality isn't a sandbox." - I thought.

Glancing at Tess driving, I couldn't help but think about that detection ability.

"Trod, what is that detection ability? How does it work?" - I asked.

{That is a broad question, but it is likely a form of mental energy detection. Through it, they can detect all mental energy signals and their intensity.}

"Does that mean, if I evolve any of my zealots in the future, they might get detected and mistaken for Supers?" - I pursed my lips.

{Correct.}

"... I guess it was a good idea not to evolve Tess immediately. I don't want to duke it out with those guys for now." - I thought.

I planned on evolving the Zealots in this reality at least once. But because Tess is my genuine girlfriend now, I hesitated about giving her the standard evolution. I considered whether I should turn her into an Ascended shapeshifter... Or perhaps the newly synthesized Ascended.

It's (Definitely) not because I thought about all the kinky cosplays she could do with it!

"That said, I don't like my freedom getting restricted like that..." - I scrunched my face ever so slightly.

{Not necessarily. Shapeshifters might have stealth methods to resist psychic detection.}

"Yeah, but that is only curing the symptoms, and it isn't the cure. Besides, your suggestion isn't foolproof. I don't want those Supers driving around the city, detecting my Zealots, and arresting them for some bullshit reason. Besides, who knows if they have some mind-reading powers? Although the zealots won't yield to torture, it doesn't mean their minds are protected." - I argued.

{Acceptable argument. Then, I can offer you some sure-proof cures for your plight.}

"I am all ears..."

{Suggestion 1: Conquer this world.}

"Dude... like... you just gave me the end goal of the end goal..." - I narrowed my eyes.

{Actually, it is not that hard. It is even the easiest and most profitable solution, albeit evil.}

"And that is?" - I narrowed my eyes.

{Bring over a few mega viruses from the other reality, wipe the population on your world, and bring Kin spores to convert it into a  new Ascended world.}

"DUDE! Not cool!" - I scrunched my eyebrows in anger and disgust.

{Why not? For a meager price of less than a thousand points, you can convert your family into Ascended. Then you can globally spread the viruses and spores through zealot agents. And finally, to avoid a nuclear holocaust, have Arly hack all Nuclear facilities to shut them down. Within a few months, your world can be converted into an Ascended world, and all shall be yours without any obvious resistance.}

"... Okay, I agree this can work, but NO! Next!" - I said, annoyed, and took a sip from the juice I bought earlier. (Damn, that shit is good.)

{Suggestion 2: Postpone your development on this reality and move to a technologically similar reality for development.}

"... Elaborate."

{This reality has been influenced by artificial means, resulting in those fakes emerging. However, you can move to almost identical worlds without them, dodging all the hassle. It would be like an ideal sandbox world to your liking.}

"And what about my sister and Tess? I don't like the idea of abandoning them."

{As long as you are anchored to this reality, you won't abandon them. You can always visit them. Also, at Increase Compatibility 5, there will be a power that allows you to ferry living beings without being exposed to unreality.}

"Nice! That's good to hear. Any other suggestions?" - I asked.

{Suggestion 3: Same as suggestion 2, but go to a world without humans and convert it into an Ascended world.}

"And then I can have an Ascended world without the dangers inside... An ideal untouched world without the damage humans have caused. All for the taking." - I widened my eyes.

{Correct.}

"... It is still kind of evil... but if I don't kill humans, it might be worth it." - I secretly nodded.

"But, is it that easy to find such a reality?" - I asked.

{In a same-spectrum search, it is easy. Reality Travel - Improved Selection 1 can accomplish that.}

"And I won't find myself inside deep space or the sun, right?" - I probed.

{No, you are guaranteed to enter a safe area. Your great-grandfather would have died otherwise. Ic'thotl'itrod went to great lengths to avoid such an unfortunate silly ending to his legacy.}

"Makes sense... Hm... It is worth considering." - I nodded.

Of course, there might be better ways to conquer this world, but I wasn't in a rush. It was better to avoid unnecessary troubles and develop safely. Perhaps silently accumulating wealth for future use or starting a secret cult or some shit.

"In any case, that is for future consideration. For now, I have a date~" - I grinned as we entered Tess's street.

 

 

 

Sometime later...

After unpacking the fruits and vegetables and resting for a few hours, we started our cooking session without changing our clothes. She wore her marine blue v-line wrap dress, while I wore simple jeans and a bottom-down shirt.

We were having a home dinner date, not going to a restaurant. Comfy and practical was all we needed.

As for what we were cooking?

 

Sss*

Sss*

After stirring the crushed garlic inside the oil and butter, giving it a brownish color, I smiled and poured white wine inside. 

Tss*

Vapor rose as the white wine cooled down the cooking process, turning it into a broth.

"Tess, I'm about to pour in the shrimp! How is the pasta?" - I looked over my shoulder.

"Almost done!" - Tess replied while bringing a cooking pot to the sink.

"Good. Get it ready in 3 minutes." - I said and poured in the shrimp.

After steering the shrimp that were getting a nice pink color and adding some condiments, Tess walked next to me with a half-full pasta strainer.

"Okay, pour it in." - I said and stepped aside.

With that, Tess poured the contents of the pasta strainer into the pan, and I closed the heating plate while mixing it. And to add a finishing touch, I added a bit of garnish on top.

"And... done! One Shrimp Scampi, coming right up~" - I smiled and took the still-hot pan to the table.

It's quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious~.

And with Tess handling the table and pasta and me handling the broth and shrimp, it was also a team effort.

"Smells great!" - Tess smiled and sat down.

"Garlic gives it a good aroma." - I grinned.

I then walked to the wall and dimmed the lights before lighting the candle on the table.

"Oohh~ Romantic~ Hmhmhm" - Tess smiled with parted lips, her pearly teeth showing.

"There is still a tiny detail left. Arly, give us some romantic Italian music." - I said.

Arly, who was on a nearby cupboard, didn't say anything but started a song.

 

In Napoli, where love is king~
When boy meets girl, here's what they say~

 

Picking up the champagne bottle we bought, I positioned the opening away from us and opened it gently...

POP*

Splash*

Drip* Drip* Drip*

"Ah, damn..." - I cursed my bad luck.

Although it didn't fly to the other side of the room, some foam spilled and drenched my hand and the floor.

"Oh, stay still!" - Tess stood while grabbing her napkin.

However, from that pretty grin on her lips, I could tell she was amused.

"Thanks." - I warily smiled as I let her gently wipe my hand.

However, despite getting wine on me, I stopped feeling unlucky. Her velvety touch on my skin was pleasant.

"There we go~ No harm done." - Tess smiled and retracted her hand.

"Yeah..." - I smiled back, feeling a bit regretful.

I secretly wished she would resume for a few more seconds.

After Tess sat down again, I poured us half a glass and sat opposite her.

I then raised my cup and spoke while deeply looking into her eyes.

"To the way life keeps surprising us and the moments that feel too good to be true. Here's to tonight and all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers!" 

"Cheers!" - Tess smiled broadly, her Azure eye locked with mine.

Clink*

 

After putting the food on the plate and grinding some parmesan, we ate with relish as we talked about some things.

Although I avoided talking about her family, she asked me about mine.

"How are your parents? Do you have a brother or sister?" - Tess asked.

"Well... I have an older sister by two years who is unofficially engaged. She is nice, but a bit naggy." - I smiled, skirting around the uncomfortable topic that is my parents.

"Oh! I would love to meet her!" - Tess said enthusiastically, tactfully not asking more.

"That would be great! She keeps nagging me to get a girlfriend." - I grinned.

"Haha! Not anymore~" - She said and raised her cup.

"To us!" - She said.

"To us."

Clink*

Putting down our wine glasses, I changed the topic.

"So, how do you like the food?" - I asked.

"It's great! I like Italian food. I miss Italy. It reminds me of the time I went there with my parents." - She said, longing in her eyes.

"... We can go there on vacation if you want?" - I smiled.

"Really?!" - She widened her eyes at me.

"Sure. My sister and future brother-in-law are flying to Paris soon, so why not take the chance and travel too?" - I said.

Tess leaned on the table with her elbow, resting her cheek on her hand.

"Con piacere~" - She said with narrowed eyes and raised her wine glass.

I lightly smiled and clinked our cups before sipping a bit.

And so, we continued chatting about things such as art, music, games, books, and other interests, hobbies, aspirations, and dreams.

I found Tess is a fantasy lover and a real-life gamer girl. And although not an art enthusiast, she likes nature in general.

I also found she likes medieval culture, knights, and magic.

As for aspirations, it wasn't a surprise when she said she wanted to be as helpful to me as she could. She is my Zealot and all. And when I asked about her previous aspirations, she said I had already fulfilled them all.

As for her dream...

"Haha~ Silly. I already have all I ever wanted." - She said, gazing at me affectionately with her Azure eyes.

That was so sweet my heart felt like it was about to melt.

So, instead, I asked if she had any other dreams.

"Haha~! I always wanted to try a real-life adventure in a game-like fantasy world." - She jokingly said.

While she considered it a joke, I took it in a more serious tone.

"Hm... Maybe later..." - I thought.1

And so, soon, our dinner ended.

We then quickly washed the dishes before taking the berries we bought earlier day and washing them.

Berries and champagne, a good movie snack.

We then sat next to each other on the couch, found a movie, and rolled.

As for what we saw? A sci-fi/comedy about some guy stuck in a game world.2

I didn't watch it before, but it was surprisingly enjoyable, even if there were some crappy parts here and there.

As for why we didn't pick a romantic comedy or horror movie? They're boring, at least for us. We are surprisingly in sync on that point.

As for what we did during the movie? Nothing much. She leaned against me as we shared our snacks, commenting on silly moments and enjoying each other's company.

It was... peaceful.

Unknowingly, I felt more confident in myself, and my tension loosened. Her touch no longer felt sensual but natural and relaxed.

Her relaxed heartbeat, transmitted through our touching skin, calmed me down.

"So that's what it's like to have a girlfriend... It feels nice." - I thought.

It wasn't about her visual appearance but the contact itself.

Perhaps we have good chemistry or the special connection we share, but we felt comfortable with each other.

And so, the movie reached the credits without any touchy-feely moments or going down on one another. 

"Hm... What's the time now?" - Tess asked while getting off me, her face a bit rosy due to the wine.

"Ten thirty. It is getting a bit late." - I said and got up.

"How time flies when you have fun~" - Tess said playfully.

"It sure does." - I smiled and grabbed the used cups and bowls.

I then walked to the sink and started washing them a bit.

Just as I finished cleaning the last bowl and reached for the towel, I felt something warm press against my back, and two arms wrapped around my chest from under my armpits.

"Tess?" - I asked, my heart suddenly skipping a beat.

"... Thanks, Iver." - Tess whispered, gently pressing the side of her head against my nape.

"..." - I stood there, frozen in place, feeling her unsettled heartbeat.

"I enjoyed this date. I truly did. I liked going grocery shopping, having a dinner date, and watching a movie together at home. I... Like feeling like an ordinary girl again. Sniff* Thank you... Thank you for everything... Thank you..." - She repeated in a quavering voice.

I felt her tremble behind me, her heartbeat erratic, and my shirt got wet.

Perhaps I am an inexperienced guy with little courage with girls, but I at least know what to do now.

I turned around and looked deeply into her tear-stained Azure eyes.

We were of similar height, only an inch difference. 

I gently wrapped one hand around her back, and the other touched her cheek, wiping a tear, and I wordlessly smiled.

Tess calmed down and gently wrapped her arms around my neck. Her eyes gazed into mine as a smile played on her inviting lips.

No words needed to be said as we drew closer.

Our lips touched, our bodies meshed, and our hearts pounded with indescribable feelings.

A few seconds later, our lips separated, but we soon craved more, so we kissed again, but this time longer.

Neither of us was an expert kisser and were, in fact, total amateurs. However, that didn't lessen our craving for one another.

A cute tongue peeked between her teeth and lips, and slowly, our tongues coiled with one another, doing an awkward but passionate dance.

I lost track of time, but I suppose after a good ten minutes, we finally stopped.

"Calmed down yet?" - I asked with a playful smile.

"I feel much better now..." - Tess said lovingly.

"Let's help you wash your face, then." - I said, gently stroking her now-dry tears.

"Hmhmhm~ Thanks for reminding me~ I think I'll have a... Hot~ shower now." - Tess said seductively, not letting go of my neck.

The mood suddenly changed with a pink and violet innuendo in the air.

"Ah... Haha... Then, I'll take one after—Mmm..." - Suddenly, Tess kissed me again, shutting me up.

Separating her lips from mine, her Azure eyes gazed deeply into mine as she spoke lustfully.

"Honey~ you also need a shower~ so let's continue our date there. Okay~?" -  She said in hot pants.

"... Okay..." - I somehow squeezed.

Indeed, she is much more assertive than I am.

"Hmhmhm~ Follow me~"

And with that, I was led to the bathroom, about to have the second half of my date.