Chapter Text
To say Frankie Foster needed a good night was an understatement; she thought her night would have already been terrible since she mistook the wrong restaurant, but just like the cook and the owner of the said restaurant had said, she didn’t lose a minute of it, which was time enough for her to reach the right place… and in time for when she meets Dylan…
Then after that, everything went downhill. Since she had no idea aboutMac, Bloo, the pizza delivery man, and Prince Charming.
But when the chaos was already there, Dylan truly revealed his true colours. A possessive and sexist jerk, she had the right to punch him and give him a nosebleed and later give him an atomic wedgie…
Still that sucker wears briefs; what a dork… But still, she was mad, she was hungry, and she was tired… She could have asked someone to deliver pizza for them to eat. But then she remembered there was another restaurant nearby, and she couldn’t help but eat more of those delicious porky buns…
And yet, the cook had the kindness to close the restaurant and help her to have a service only for herself at that moment.
“You don’t have to.” Frankie commented as she saw the blue- and black-haired boy shake his head.
“I insist. I can see from the look on your face that you need to relax, and I’m not even going to pry into what happened.” Tenji said as he was sharpening his knife, and looked from the look on her face. “You clearly need comfort food, so I was thinking about some hamburger?”
And with that said, Frankie’s stomach roared as her entire face blushed.
“Yep, a stomach with a sincere voice—that’s the song of every chef’s ears. HAHAHAHA.” Tenji laughed, as he knew the poor girl needed some sort of comfort, so making a comfort food would be willing to help. And he doesn’t have a problem making it on the house for her. That girl clearly needed it.
Which Frankie Foster clearly groaned… just wishing that things wouldn’t be that humiliating.
But she couldn’t lie; the smell of the oil burning made her eyes sparkle, and she was in awe from seeing the green flames coming from the wok. Just how does Tenji getscallop butter? And by pressing the combination of two, she never saw a meat that orange and red before; it looked appetizing for minced meat.
And with the spatula in hand, and calmly making the smell so appetizing, the poor red-haired boy looked starving.
And then by bringing a bottle of spices, she saw pure rainbow sparkles in such colourful colours. For later a small cone of cheese was placed over the meat… as he flipped the hamburger and closed it like a sandwich… making the cheese inside of the meat.
“Nothing like 7 flavoured spices couldn’t make it even better.” Tenji commented as the time he brought the frying pan and toasted the bread, just to then bring the bottles of dark yellow, which must be some sort of mustard, and a red and orange bottle. “And with ketchup and mustard, I think it’s almost enough… Do you want some pickles, tomato, and salad?”
Which Frankie was, with her mouth watering; she simply shook her head… She wanted to eat it at that moment…
“Okay…” The cook nodded his head and calmly turned off the fire, and with a small and delicate process… Frankie then looked at her, eyes widening up… That hamburger actually had 2 palms of size… “There you go, my seven-flavoured turkey flambé burger.”
“Wait, that was turkey meat?” Frankie said as her stomach roared stronger and as her mouth watered even more.
“Yep, there are seven-flavoured turkeys who, whenever they spread their wings, sprinkle seven flavoured sweet and hot spices, ever increasing the deliciousness of their meat…” Tenji explained as he saw the look of disbelief and confusion on her face. “Later I will show you something, but before that. You need to follow the rules.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know… I didn’t quite understand why I should be doing that for all the meals, but since it’s the rules.” Frankie rolled her eyes but did as she was taught when she got the pork bread:before she started eating the appetizing bread, she had to say the same quote as before. “I give thanks to all the ingredients in the world... Itadakimasu.”
“Now dig in, or your stomach won’t take any more.” And with the smile on his face, Tenji nodded his head in approval. As he took off his chef uniform. “Enjoy it while I will be right back.” And with that, the young chef went on to his basement…
Frankie raised her eyebrow, but the smell of her food clearly was taking all her attention, as she couldn’t help but wish to devour it… And when she gave the first bite… she felt her taste buds squee in happiness, as her own moaning of deliciousness couldn’t be more clear, as she melted on the delicious combination of turkey, sweetness, and spiciness in such combinations that made her somehow taste probably all 7 things on her tongue.
She felt herself flying, on her own world of flavours… as she now decided that turkey burgers are the best thing ever… and she wasn’t going to stop until she ateevery single bite of that giant hamburger…
Which, to her surprise, she didn’t think about anything, just her and her hamburger, and for minutes she forgot that she had a terrible date and that she had a stressful morning; it was like the true definition of comfort food, because before she was hungry, tired, and frustrated, but now it was only her and her hamburger…
When, at the time she gave the last gulp, she looked in her hands and realized that it was over…
“What?” Frankie got surprised, because she wasn’t the type of person who could eat that quantity of food, especially after eating the pork breads, and yet, she ate it… every single crumb of it… And she had even finished licking her fingers… But now, she felt better, satiated. “Did I just eat a 2-palm-sized hamburger? BURP.”
And then her body couldn’t help but release a big burp, showing how much her stomach had appreciated such a delicious meal. But her face clearly blushed in scarlet for doing that inside of a restaurant.
Mr. Herriman would clearly nag about how awful the ladywas being by burping in such a fancy and yet comfortable zone for people to eat… And as much as Frankie was annoyed by that imaginary stick-up bunny. She understood that it was very rude to do that somewhere.
She was about to wonder where the chef, Tenji, was until she heard the sound of a hatch being opened, and then from seeing Tenji, she couldn’t help but be surprised. The boy was wearing a white suit with a dark blue shirt and a black and white tie.
“Woah, you are dressed fancy like that; where are you going?” Frankie couldn’t help but ask loudly as she saw the boy simply turning off the equipment.
“Take a walk in the town; I’m sure the Ferris wheel looks nice at this time of night.” Tenji commented as Frankie blinked a few times as she followed him.
“The town doesn’t have a Ferris wheel, or I have no idea we are having a carnival right now,” Frankie commented, as she then saw Tenji walking nearby the door.
“Well, about that.” Tenji commented as he opened the door. Frankie had her eyes wide open as Tenji and she got out from the restaurant. Which revealed they aren’t where she had passed a good time of her day, but she was in a place that she had never seenbefore.
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A whole thematic park focused on food? A whole town that was dedicated to chefs and restaurants of high tier? In a world where food means everything and even the start and the end of the world?
Where the food can be incredibly expensive or extremely cheap?
Needless to say, Frankie Foster felt her world spinning… Especially since she took a thematic hamburger themed off of the Rotor.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
“WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”
Frankie and Tenji screamed from the excitement over going on the gourmet version of the theme park. She never thought her night would be completely changed by the fact she was supposed to date in a fancy restaurant, but now she was having the time of her life going on thematic park rides with themes of foods and ingredients.
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“So that’s why I must always take care of everyone, even as some of them drive me crazy.” Frankie commented as she was drinking the cheapest soda drink that she ever had in her life. 5 cents for a can of soda on her arm. She was going to drink it and carry it with her back home to drink more later.
“Wow, so you do all the work most of the time into cleaning and fixing the things, while cooking and even taking care of those…” Tenji was intrigued but also in complete respect of seeing Frankie showing how much work she had done while taking care of a whole mansion… While her grandma was indeed fragile and needed someone taking place, as much as Tenji would never call someone old, since his adoptive mother was an example that at that age she could still kick his ass many times. But then learning about a world where creatures can be created by the minds of people? That was something out of this world.
“Imaginary friends.” Frank corrected the chef, which made Tenji couldn’t help but nod his head.
“Thanks for correcting me, but still, you are taking care of everything… That clearly shows how much effort you put in every day. If I’m going to be honest with you, Frankie. If there was a way I could describe you. Badass was the best word I could come up with.” Tenji commented as Frankie smiled while showing a bit of blush on her cheeks but still gave a small jab on his arm.
“And that came from you. The boy from another world. If I hadn’tseen this world. I would have thought you were an imaginary friend.” Frankie commented as the duo passed more and more over the Gourmet Town.
Taking the train and enjoying the rides and attractions of the place. It was kind of nice to just talk and enjoy a conversation and be herself. Or most likely just have a few hours off…
It was kind of nice…
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“Thank you so much for making this possible.” Frankie commented that she had enjoyed everything, even as she enjoyed the food stands around the area, and after learning a bit of Tenji’s history, she couldn’t help but wonder if she could bring her grandma Foster to meet Granny Setsuno, which was how many would call Tenji’s adoptive mom. She was sure the duo would be chaotic together.
“You deserved a day to relax, and if someday you wanted to take some steam off, you can come here, take a few hours, then return back to your world. It’s like the time had frozen on there, so I’m sure your ‘boss’ would say you are still late for a few seconds. But you can counter with some excuse.” Tenji replied as both Frankie and the chef laughed… at which Frankie smiled and gave a kiss on his cheek, surprising him.
“Thank you for being so nice, Tenji. I will be back, but this time with money to pay up for my meal.” Frankie opened the door; as she left, the boy had a surprise…
Touching his cheek with a good smile on his face…
He did the right thing, and he wasn’t going to let it mess up his night. Which, for once more, he was going to return back to prepare his ingredients for the morning.
“It was an illegal seizure of a trademark property.” Pepper Potts said in a bored tone by the telephone as she was watching the television news, but with her good mood after eating a good meal since the day before, she woke up with a better mood, so she wasn’t going to let the news in regard to Stark Industries being talked about on the news sour her day.
Knowing well that it was for the best if she just turned off the television, she didn’t think twice about doing it.
“Miss Potts.” Which her secretary called for attention in a fearful voice until she clearly saw Tony Stark walk without a ceremony.
“Relax.” Tony said, already thinking the bureaucracy would be too much, even knowing he was supposed to be the owner of everything.
“Mr. Stark is here...”
“For sure.”
“He refuses…”
“I don’t. It’s fine.”
Which clearly Pepper used her hand to wait for a minute, and with a hand motion she dismissed her secretary to go back to work.
“Listen, it’s our position that Stark has and continues to maintain proprietary ownership of the Mark 2 Platform.” Pepper said as politely as she could, while in her mind she just wanted to tellthe parasites to screw themselves and leave them alone, but as a CEO of Stark Enterprises, she wasn’t going to let her act like Tony of all people. “Burt, Burt, don’t tell me that we have the best patent lawyers in the country and then not let me pursue this.”
With Tony looking around the mess over the office where Pepper had been trying to work over the whole life of taking care of his own mess from the patent battle over the Iron Man suits…
“I will get this stuff out of here.” Tony said he didn’t want for her to see all the trashy things he left behind, but Pepper was more focused on the call.
“Well then, tell the president to sign an order.” Pepper said as she was feeling a bit tired and stressed, but somehow still manageable, but she couldn’t help but wish for a good cup of coffee and something that would make her go back to work quickly… Then a slight thought crossed her mind. But then a voice interrupted her on the telephone. “Okay, Burt, we’ll talk about it at the Expo. Hammer’s giving some presentation tomorrow evening.”
“Will Tony Stark be there?” Pepper asked herself loudly, as Tony calmly sat beside her and tilted his head.
“Will I?” Tony asked… which was when he saw Pepper smirk on her face…. Which made him shake his head.
“Yes, he will. I’m sure he will make a good time enjoyable on there.” Pepper said as she could see Tony wanted to give some sort of joke, saying he wanted to be there. “Glad to know you will be waiting for him. Until then, good day, Burt.”
“You don’t know what you did.” Tony commented as Pepper clearly rolled her eyes.
“I’m having a stressful morning, Tony, and I’m going to have breakfast, and if it’s something important you want to talk to me about, then you better wait until I get my cup of coffee.” Pepper said in a cold tone, which made Tony stop and see her get up, and with her walking outside, she knew she was being followed by him. “I don’t want to hear a word until I have something nice to eat.”
“Well, if you want, I know the right place for that.” Tony Stark simply knew that it would be for the best if he just bought a reservation for a restaurant in another country, and with his good jet, they would be there in an hour…
“I know, we are heading there right now.” Which that comment made Tony blink a few times. As he looked at Pepper like she had just read his mind. “I know that you may have wanted to make a surprise for me, but this work is so much that I needed to eat something nice, but to say only you is insane enough to build a 3-Michelin-star restaurant inside the Stark Enterprise.”
And that comment made Tony stop… and then stare at Pepper as she had gone mental. But then she stared at Tony holding a box of strawberries.
“Did you buy those strawberries for Happy? Because I’m sure he likes it, but I cannot give it to him since I’m terribly allergic to them.” Pepper made the question, which Tony simply slaps himself for mentally.
“Yeah, I’m sure Happy was going to eat while watching his favourite series, while wanting me to watch with him.” Tony commented as Pepper nodded her head. And the duo gets inside of the elevator.
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And to see a giant line outside of the elevator clearly made Tony Stark blink a few times.
Which thankfully some members got out when they saw both Pepper Potts and Tony Stark passing in front of them. Just as they saw a door that would lead to Tony Stark, they knew that he didn’t pay to build a restaurant on that enterprise.
Or if he was sober when he did that…
“Here’s your macchiato, sir.” The young Japanese boy with black hair brought a tray for one of the workers, who clearly paid a few bucks and even a few dollars for a tip. “Thanks.”
“Who asked for a triple espresso?” Then another Japanese boy who was with his dark brown hair called as one intern of the Stark Enterprise raised her hand. “There you go. Be careful with that one; the chef said it’s really, really strong. So you may want to add some cream and milk to that.”
“Kazuma, the pancakes of table 4 are ready.” Then a voice from far away, where there was a cook making everything for everyone, called one of the boys, who immediately groaned but went to take the order.
“Coming, Tenji.” Kazuma said as he accepted the smile of the worker, as many people over at Stark Enterprise took their orders and got outside to drink their coffee, while others were to have a good experience of a breakfast.
“Wow, it seems that we got into a rush hour.” Pepper commented as she walked inside and saw some of her employees enjoying their break time to quickly eat their breakfast and drink coffee. And she would have done so quickly if it wasn’t for the fact she was now the owner of the company, and now that she had Tony nearby her, she was going to enjoy her time eating something.
While Tony, he felt his brain blue-screen.
“Sir… It seems the internet connection, as any variation of wireless connection, is being cut out.” Then a familiar voice made Tony stare in surprise around the area. A restaurant with a wireless cutter? Why would anyone want to cut off the internet? Unless someone wanted to hide big secrets that no one must fi-
“Hey, can someone pass me the Wi-Fi password?” One of the customers called, as Subaru, who was nearby, pointed on the table.
“It’s Gurume Taun (Gourmet Town) 224512; you need to write in Japanese kanji for that.” Subaru explained as Tony blinked a few times… And used his cellphone to proceed to connect Jarvis to the new Wi-Fi password.
“Connection reestablished, sir… It seems that we are outside of the United States, sir.” Jarvis then commented, as Tony blinked a few times…
“Okay, Jarvis, maybe you have a virus inside of you. I want you to check for all unusual data inside of you.” Tony commented, and even as offended as his AI would have been to hear such a remark, the AI still obeyed, as he simply followed Pepper towards one of the tables nearby the Chef.
“Tenji, do you have a table for us?” Pepper called as both saw the young teenager chef lighting up a fire as he blinked a few times to see one of his customers.
“Hi Pepper, how are you?” Tenji smiled as he quickly looked around and saw one of the customers leaving the table quickly after seeing their boss getting inside, and some of the Stark Industries workers were in shock at seeing their boss with none other than Tony Stark. “What’s the occasion?”
“Well, I just want a breakfast, and I brought Tony with me.” Pepper commented as the philanthropist playboy came to give a handshake.
“Tony Stark, you may have heard about me.” Tony commented as he gave the handshake, which Tenji accepted, but then his eyes looked… deeply at the man in front of him…
A man who uses his mouth too much, arrogant and stubborn, but also, a man who knew pain like no other, a man who suffered a lot but couldn’t find the right words to express himself… also the same man who had something infecting inside his body… and slowly was being poisoned. And was suffering in silence because he didn’t want the others to worry about him.
“A pleasure to meet you.” Tenji said in sincerity, since as much as he could see that man as probably a moron, he also saw a man with a heart in the right place… even if that heart inside of him was mostly fake… He could see that man was the type of man who learns from his mistakes and was in the process of growing up and becoming more mature with each day. “You can have that table. I will wait for your orders.”
Pepper and Tony nodded their heads and walked beside one of the tables. The CEO of Stark Company looked around as many of the customers who were eating their breakfast rushed because they didn’t want to get caught by their boss… And they immediately paid before leaving. While some were waiting on the line, they decided to go back to work…
It was kind of strange that at the time Pepper and Tony Stark got inside of the restaurant, it only took 10 minutes for there to be only the waiters, the cook, and the duo of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts in there.
“Woah, what was that?” Subaru asked as he suddenly saw the weird tension in the air, and he didn’t complain about the sudden break he and Kazuma deserved from the exhausting rush they both got at breakfast. After dealing with some usual clients. From nowhere, a bunch of people who were Americans and had cellphones that were way better than in his country appeared; it was kind of confusing. Since he had a flip phone and the Americans had what they described as iPhones and touchscreen smartphones.
It was indeed weird to see different worlds where Americans were more advanced in technology than the Japan he lived in. But in comparison to that, he was surprised to see Tenji’s world also had some smartphones, which he was going to use his money to buy with Kazuma, and some technologies for their world. Just for them to use.
“I don’t know, but from what I can tell, that prick man is someone important.” Kazuma whispered as the couple sat at one of the tables. “I’m going to clean up the glasses; you clean the tables.”
“Sure.” Subaru nodded his head, as the duo preferred to not get involved with those Americans since Tenji didn’t call for them to attend the couple.
With the steam of fresh-made coffee, toasted beans clearly caught the attention of everyone. And with the young Chef calmly walking outside.
“Welcome to Ignis Habet Gustum. My name is Tenji, and I am at your service. May I take your order for this morning?” Tenji politely gave a bow, as a traditional Japanese Chef, which made Tony raise his eyebrows.
“Can I have the menu this time, Tenji?” Pepper Potts wasn’t stupid, so this time she asked for the menu, at which, seeing the teenage boy chuckle, he nodded his head, and with what would be a 50-page-longbook, he calmly placed it over the table.
“This is the menu focused on the breakfast time, with the ranking of 0-star to 10-star, and with the determinate values coming from yen, which later could be calculated in dollars.” Tenji explained as Pepper passed a few seconds blinking.
“Well, if you want, yesterday I passed the night learning how much a yen would cost, so I’m more prepared this time.” Pepper smiled, as she didn’t want to expend another million on a food service. But still she couldn’t believe how many pages there were. “50 pages of food for breakfast—that’s crazy you were able to create all of this.”
“I believe this is all bologna; you wouldn’t place a whole menu if you aren’t able to cook everything in one go.” Tony snarked, which was for the sombre look of the waiter who was cleaning the table outside.
“Sir… please don’t joke about that. Yesterday, Tenji had to cook the whole freaking book of lunchtime for a few people, and my arms were already tired from working on it.” Subaru commented as Tony raised his eyebrow, and Tenji rolled his eyes.
“You wanted the job; don’t complain about it.” Tenji commented as he looked at Tony Stark… and even as the man deserved some respect. Tenji still needed to show how it is properly done. “And you, sir, never should mock the concept of Chef placing his heart in a menu… When a Chef wants to add food to the menu, it’s because he went through the process of blood, sweat, and tears to reach the ideal way of cooking the food. And it would be an insult to me, to my father, and to my mother, who is known as one of the Treasures of the Gourmet World, if I slacked off on a dish I placed on the menu… So you can ask anything. And I will do it, because I can.”
Tony raised his eyebrows. As Pepper looked tense.
“Okay, boys, maybe we should focus on the menu… Tenji, can you do something around 200 dollars for me to eat as breakfast?” Pepper asked, as she was sure that she was going to have a headache if Tony was going to have a fight with the restaurant owner, and she didn’t want to get in a bad sour mood if those two messed up with her food.
“200 dollars? For a breakfast? Are you serious?” Tony asked in disbelief as he saw Tenji thinking for a few seconds.
“A 1-star and 2-star menu would be a nice experience for you.” Tenji explained, as Tony looked in disbelief. Even Pepper stared in surprise.
“Wait, so hundreds of dollars come from the 1- and 2-star meals, while when it comes to millions of dollars, they were 10-star meals?” Pepper asked, and Tony Stark had his eyes wide open as he stared absurdly.
“That’s right, but still you enjoyed the meal, didn’t you?” Tenji commented as Tony stared at the CEO of his company in disbelief, which Pepper preferred to not look on her boyfriend’s face. “Anyway, if you want some recommendations for a 2-star breakfast meal. I recommend the Breakfast Island Special.”
“Hmmm, interesting. And the price looks reasonable as well. Well, I accept it, and for the coffee, can you give me something strong?” Pepper commented as Tony gasped as Tenji tilted his head as if in confusion.
“Define strong, like in flavour, or do you want to have something alcoholic on it?” Tenji gave the question, at which time Pepper realized her mistake, and Tony wasn’t going to let that off easily.
“My my, Pepper Potts, asking for a teenager to make a drink for you while at work? I have to say I’m proud of you.” Tony commented, which made Pepper fume into staring at Tony. “Well, whatever helps you at work. Now for me, kiddo, give me a hamburger for breakfast.”
“Alright, a breakfastburger then.” Tenji commented as Tony blinked in surprise. “Do you have some preference of meat? Fish, red meat, white meat.”
“Hmm… surprise me, kiddo.” Tony commented, which made Pepper roll her eyes as she started to look on the breakfast menu and then saw the breakfastburger depending on the ingredients, would reach 5- to 7-star food…
Pepper decided to remain in silence and let Tony commit his own mistake. Since after all, it’s his money; he was buying the food.
“Alright then, do you want something to drink? A good cocoa milkshake with coffee on it?” Tenji commented, at which time Tony nodded his head.
“And just like that you got a client for life if the hamburger is good.” Tony commented without thinking twice that it was an easy place to access since it’s where his company was, and if the food was good and reservations were easy, then he simply would enjoy the experience on there.
… poor, poor bastard.
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“Holysh- ouch, what?” Tony commented as he felt Pepper pinching him for saying something. “Couldn’t enjoy this hamburger? I have to take off my hat and dance like a monkey; that’s the best hamburger I ever had. And you said that’s a breakfast version.”
“Still, you shouldn’t be cussing; there are people working around here, and what if other customers appear and stare at you weirdly?” The blonde woman hissed, as she couldn’t help but hold her burp, even as she was having a wonderful time. “Okay, I have to admit, I never had a croissant like that. It felt crunchy and yet so smooth on the inside.”
“And you speak for yourself, Ms. I expended 3 million dollars in a restaurant yesterday. Now it made so much sense; when Jarvis told me about your meal, I thought he got a virus, and I had to block the credit card.”
“THAT WAS YOU?” The woman screeched. As the chef immediately came to intervene.
“Please, I think it would be for the better if you just calm down and enjoy your food. A good time to eat is a time to enjoy a good meal; this isn’t a time for a fight.” Tenji commented, and immediately he heard the door opening; as the time opened, it showed
…
Which then he looked at the two humans who stared at him like in complete madness…
“Well, let me prepare you both a good coffee, and then I’ll explain to you what you guys have been so curious to know. And knowing what this man looks like, he wants some sort of concrete evidence before I start giving some explanation…” Tenji commented as he could see Stark raising his eyebrow and shrugged as he indeed was going to say that. As he called them both and walked to open the door, which he did, both their eyes went wide open, and Tony’s mouth opened in shock at the time he opened the door…
“A door to cross through dimensions.” Tony came to the realization of what it was…
Now he had no choice but to listen to what happened.
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It took 15 minutes of explaining as the couple stared in disbelief after everything Tenji said about them, a creature who is a Lord of Chaos, who came there to drink milk chocolate and rant about his love life, which led to how he got into a restaurant that now crosses through dimensions, as each of them can just reach to a single door. Where Tenji experienced every kind of client, with each world having one different story.
Which Tony decided to give as the only question that he had in his mind.
“... Why do I have an impression I will be needing a drink after all that?” Tony commented, and then something strange happened: a cup of what would be an emerald-coloured drink made Tony stare in surprise at an old man sitting on his side.
“Yo, I knew I would find a good time when someone would ask for a drink.” The old man, who looked clumsy and drunk, simply placed the glass in front of the rich man. “If you want a quality drink, this one might be what you are looking for.”
Pepper was about to scream about how a weird man came from nowhere, but suddenly she saw Tenji also looking in surprise and in shock.
“Dad? What are you doing here?” The time the chef called that old drunk man his dad, it clearly threw off everything Pepper knew, and she was almost on the verge of wanting to drink with Tony. “I thought you were capturing a high-level ingredient.”
“And I did.” Jirou commented as he pointed at the door, through which a few men brought inside of the restaurant what would be knocked-out animals and even plants inside of compartments. Tony Stark and Pepper stared in complete shock at how many big boxes were getting inside. “Take it to the basement under the floor. Tenji will show you the way. And be careful with the boxes; they are in a knocking state, so any terrible move and they will wake up. Tenji, show them the way.”
“Oh, of course. “Thank you, Tou-san.” Tenji gave a polite bow as he accepted the kindness of his adoptive father and calmly guided each member of the delivery team to the basement.
“They grow up so fast.” Jirou commented as he could see Pepper and Tony listening to him. “Sometimes I felt I distanced myself too much from him, but I taught him everything I could, and he still treated me as part of his blood, even knowing that I just adopted him…” Jiro rambled as he poured a part of the emerald drink into his glass and started to drink. Which both Pepper and Tony listened to the ramblings of an old drunk. “And yet, even after technique, after each punch, he learned and grew not only as a fighter but also as a chef, just wanting to be like his mom… When I pass away from this world, he will be way more than I ever could be. And with all I gave with this limited time… when he figures out… this opportunity, he could change the world… he will realize what is and what will always be… He is one of my greatest creations. Maybe that’s what a father always sees when he gets excited about seeing the future of their own children way before they see it.”
Tony didn’t know why those words clearly hit him, but he simply tried to ignore them, but then came to Pepper, who sniffed and released a few tears.
“Let me tell you something…” Jiro said as he looked at Tony. “I know it’s hard to find the right words, and your silence is what drives her mad… You cannot find the right words to tell you are poisoned… and you care about her so much that you don’t want to screw this up.”
And at that time, Tony felt a punch in the gut, and he was about to get mad. But then he felt the look of Pepper.
“What?” Pepper asked as she stared at Tony. “What is he talking about?”
“I- I…” Tony hesitated as he saw the look of disbelief and other emotions coming to Pepper.
“This restaurant clearly saved your life.” Which Jiro commented as both stopped, as Jiro smiled. “Just ask Tenji to make a detox drink for you… It can clean up everything bad from the body… from bones to water to even blood inside of it… extracting all kinds of poisons…”
“What’s the catch?” Tony doesn’t believe in such stupid theories, as nothing was too easy, not even on the trials of filters he had used inside of his reactor.
“So you are really poisoned?!” Pepper commented as she couldn’t believe it.
“The catch is you’re going to vomit like you have been drunk for hours…” Jiro said with a knowing smile, as Tony stared at him. “And we both know how an experience like that could be…”
Which Tony could understand a catch like that, but he isn’t sure if it was legit or not…
But then glanced at the green and sparkling green liquid on his glass… And gave a small sip, which his eyes slightly opened as he savoured the good taste of alcohol.
“It’s wine, but damn, that’s a very damn good one.” Tony commented as he enjoyed the drink; even the aftertaste had a great taste in his mouth. “What is that?”
“Emerald Wine, one of the most delicious drinks of our world, is a hassle to get a good amount of that drink. Going to the source is both dangerous and difficult for many, but this drink is very valuable. A bottle of this costs 5,000,000 yen.” Jiro commented as Pepper had her eyes wide open in complete shock.
“34 thousand dollars for a bottle?” Pepper commented as Tony simply shrugged.
“Huh, kind of cheap, but still has a great taste. Maybe I can buy a few bottles just for my cabinet; I usually have bottles that cost 41 million dollars… which is… how much again?”
“6,206,026,131.00 yen.” Pepper commented as Jiro looked amused, and Pepper stared at Tony like he had lost his mind.
“Such drinks must be the most delicious ones in the world.” Jirou commented as Tony simply shrugged.
“Some mostly are aged well, but it’s mostly because of the luxury of having diamonds and gold as centres, which makes them really expensive.” Tony commented shamelessly, but from seeing the look of disappointment from such an old man, he felt something wasn’t right.
“Oh, that’s so… It’s a pity that most creations of the beverages of your world aren’t usually used in the right way, only to be placed and hidden forever from their own purpose…” Jiro commented as Tony and Pepper stared at the old drunk man, who simply shook his head. “In any age a drink is always wonderful; on rainy days and sunny days, the drink never tastes less delicious… What it changes is the hearts of the people who always drink them. Our hearts can even change the taste of the drink we always take, even if we want to drink peacefully.”
Tony remained in silence, even as he wanted to make a joke about the old man wanting to do an inspirational speech or something, but it was the first time he saw someone actually being inspired into drinking alcohol. But even so, he couldn’t help but understand the meaning of the words from the old drunk man, and Tony actually forgot why he had enjoyed drinking for so long…
Was it always for the taste of the drink… Or was it mostly because of the status of philanthropist that he always got?
Pepper looked at Tony and Jirou in complete confusion. Tony usually doesn’t listen to anyone, and the first person who made Tony listen was actually a drunken old man?
“Ah, thank you so much for your service.” Then a familiar voice said as Tenji gave a polite bow and waved at the group of deliverers, who also bowed in gratitude for their payment. The young chef gave a tired sigh. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Is there anything I can help you both with the service?”
“Do you have a detox drink?” Tony and Pepper commented as Tenji had his eyes wide open as he stared at Jirou, who enjoyed a gulp of his wine.
“So it’s true?” Tenji asked his adoptive father, who nodded his head.
“Yes, it is… It seems some sort of metal poison is inside of him.” Jirou commented as the young boy nodded his head.
“Metal?” Pepper commented as Tony sighed.
“Palladium,”
“From inside of the reactor, so that’s what has been slowly killing you?” Pepper commented as Tony didn’t reply. Which clearly showed how angry she would be for not knowing about how her boyfriend had always been leaving her in the dark. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn’t want to worry you.” Tony commented as Pepper didn’t believe a second.
“You were dying.” Pepper said, at which Tony rolled his eyes.
“It was just 18% of palladium in my blood; it wasn’t a big deal. If I could, I would find a way.” Tony said he wasn’t going to use his ego and find a way; he is the smartest man alive, and he wasn’t going to let some mambo jumbo try to say things are impossible. Even as weird as it had been for the day, it’s not like he had much to lose. But still, it was better to just drink that stupid drink and then buy some time for him to fix the problem.
By the time Pepper was about to rant, suddenly the sound of a glass over the table was heard… as Tony stared at what would be a silver and yet metallic drink that made him stare at him in surprise. What was also surprising was the slight green flame above the drink.
“When you are ready, you blow the fire and drink in one go.” Tenji explained as Tony stared at him, demanding some explanations. “Since you are poisoned with metal, the best way is to use the metallic and mineral properties of other ingredients, Aluminium Cabbage, Delicineral Water, Gingystal, and Golden Carrots, and to potentiate the effects with a flambé of white wine on the top.”
“I can’t understand ⅓ of the ingredients you have said, but I always drink at breakfast, so thanks for the drink.” Tony simply shrugged and gave a blow and closed his eyes to prepare himself for how terrible the taste would be, but then he opened his eyes… “Sweet, cool, smooth—wow, that’s actually a good taste.”
Which is after finishing the drink. Tenji pointed in the direction.
“The bathroom is right over there. You have 30 seconds.” Tenji explained, as Tony raised his eyebrows, until his entire stomach started to feel the effects, and he felt like he was sweating a lot, with his chest burning. And he felt a powerful effect of nausea. “Better go now.”
“You listen to him, bro. I remember when I vomited in Setsuno’s restaurant, and oh boy, she wasn’t happy at all.” Jiro commented with a chuckle…
Pepper stared at Tony, who suddenly felt his entire face swirl as he was feeling extremely sick. And he quickly rushed in the direction of the bathroom… Within minutes, the group could hear from that far away the sounds of someone vomiting loudly, as he was expelling a demon inside of his body. Which Pepper looked at, and Tenji also decided to turn on the fire, and with water and a freaking egg that released 20 yolks, the young chef made a traditional Japanese omelet for the man… who continued to vomit in the toilets.
“Never again, never, never again.” The group could hear what would be the ramblings of a person who got the effects of a hangover and vomited all the alcohol inside of the body. With following the sound of more vomit…
Which, as the duo had said, the catch indeed was like the aftereffects of alcohol. And even as the drink would taste delicious, in the end when it gets out from the body, that’s when the bad stuff gets out…
“Soooo…” Then Pepper stared at Tenji, who also made an omelet for her to eat. “How is it like the world you both live in? Sorry about not having a good conversation with you, since you have been so stressed over work that I’m sure Bulma also got curious about it.”
“Well… just worldly stuff, technologies, science, and my boyfriend, who decided to make metal armour to become a superhero.” Pepper commented as she decided to explain about her world to the father and son, who were listening more to her than to the ramblings of the rich man who just got all the toxins off his body.
With that, the door opened a few times, bringing people that Tenji had never once seen before… And then the 6 old men who stared at each other pointed at themselves in surprise and disbelief. Asking how they managed to reach themselves. Which Tenji couldn’t help but imagine—those 6 old men knew each other.
“Welcome to Ignis Habet Gustum, or, in other languages, ‘Fire has Taste.’ My name is Tenji, and I will let Kazuma and Subaru take you to your table. I will serve you 6 shortly.” Tenji commented with a polite bow, and he heard some of those old men compliment the name involving fire, while others complained about it, saying, “Of course they would compliment anything that has fire in its name,” and said something about a nation of fire. Which Tenji simply looked confused but focused on the woman who was in front of him. While Jiro sounded amused and decided to give some reception over those 6 who seemed to be important and friends from where they came from.
.
.
.
“You tried to kill me,” Tony said weakly after crawling away from the bathroom, but then he saw an omelet on the table, while his stomach looked very weak and hungry at the moment. “I will accept this as an apology gift.” Which Tony could see the chef staring at him with an amused look… as he was waiting for him to say something… “And my blood test showed 0 percent of toxins… which was 100% effective; you don’t have to shove it in my face.”
“I would never dream about that.” Tenji commented as he chuckled from seeing the rich man return to eat his food, even as part of his fancy suit was ruined from the dust and possible sparkles of vomit.
“Later I will burn my suit. It’s completely ruined with palladium.” Tony commented as he could see his girlfriend crossed her arms at him… And that made him sigh… “I need time to find a way to fix my Ark Reactor. I know that it sounds crazy, stupid, but I needed you to trust me.”
“By not telling me? I could have asked for help.” Pepper said, annoyed, as she saw the billionaire roll his eyes.
“To whom?” Tony argued as she waved her palm in the direction of the cook, who was staring at them both. “You didn’t know he could do that until today.”
“That’s not the point, Tony.” Pepper said as she was so frustrated. “I just don’t know why you do that. Why?”
“BECAUSE I WAS SCARED, OKAY?” Tony then let out a shout that surprised Pepper, as the rich, egomaniacal, and proud idiot couldn’t help but confess. “I wanted everyone to be mad at me, to be aware of me… because I don’t want them to see me fail and get their hopes up about trying to help me to crash.”
“...” Pepper remained quiet… as she was trying to find the right words to say… An old man, who wasn’t Jiro, simply came nearby and walked over to the table.
“Well, if you don’t mind…” The man who said that had a serene semblance and a kind look on his face, which even showed years of wisdom and kindness over the good feature of his chubby belly. “I think I understand the situation of it… Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame… And there is nothing wrong with letting people who love you help you…”
“What is this, a fortune cookie quote?” Tony sarcastically asked as the old man simply laughed.
“Oh, there are cookies around here? Can I ask for a portion with tea as well? Ah, and I want you to use the purple fire, because somehow it smells delicious from the scent of wood that came from it.” The old man called as Tenji nodded his head.
“I will be making them right away, sir. Does your group also want that?” Tenji asked when the man would comment; there was a groaning coming from the table away.
“Give it up, Bumi; it’s obvious you lost on this turn.” One of the old men dressed in blue commented as the old man dressed in royal green clothing scoffed.
“Why don’t you go to South Pole and leave me alone Pakku? I have him where I wanted.” Bumi commented as he gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes.
“Oi, Iroh, Bumi is losing in a massacre for Piandao, you may want to see this.” A man with a white goatee and a messed white hair called, as Iroh who was talking with the couple, blinked in surprise.
“Hey, I don’t want to lose that moment for nothing. Wati for me guys.” Iroh immediately left, as the cook stared at them for far away, even with Jiro who seemed to have a nice chatting with what would be among of group of people who seemed to be so acceptive with everything he was talking to them.
“What a bunch of nice guys.” Tony asked sarcastically, but looking at Pepper, he knew that old man also taught him a lesson. “Today’s not my day, I passed the whole day getting life lessons?”
“Also you must pay for the food and the drink you got.” Which Tenji commented as Tony stared at the man with a glare. “What? Just saying.”
Which that time Pepper felt vengentive, but also relieved into knowing as stubborn Tony was… it seems that he was back on the right path…
“5 million and 200 thousand dollars.” Tenji commented as Tony felt like a stab on his credit card, as he looked ugly for the cook. “You asked for an amburger 10-star, also for a 1 million dollars detox drink, also for the omelet, and also other types of food that you and Pepper had eaten together while still here. Also for the cleaning Kazuma is having to do on the bathroom.”
“I HATE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART TONY STARK.” There was the muffled voice of Kazuma coming from the bathroom, which the man rolled his eyes. But took off his credit card.
“Your lucky that the food was indeed even better than a michelin restaurant, and the drink clearly gave me time to try to save myself.” Tony said as he paid without thinking twice… But Tenji could see that inside of the man’s pride, he was showing a deep gratitude on his own way…
“Your going to do great things Tony.” Tenji commented as the man rolled his eyes.
“I know.” Tony then with Pepper by his side and complaining about what they are going to do after returning from their lunch time… They opened the door, as Tenji simply shook his head.
“Not as much as you need.” Tenji commented as he could see that man was very egocentric and egomaniac, but deep inside, he could see that a word called superhero is what fits him, and a man who always learns from his mistakes… “I’m sure this was the only drink I will ever need to clean him up… He will figure out to take off the poison of himself.”
Meeting Iroh was indeed a breath of fresh air, since it was the first time he found people who could socialize with his adoptive parents, and what was funny was the fact some of them prefer to drink tea instead of alcohol just to Jiro’s dismay, but still, they were a group of knowledge seekers of their world, an order named the White Lotus, as the world they would describe into war over nations. A nation that control and bends their elements they were born on.
And the story of the massacre of the air nomads clearly brought a huge shock and painful revelations on how tirany happens over other worlds. Even as they found themselves in seclusion, hidden, but now with a new secret place for them seek neutral grounds and shares knowledge with each other…
While all it comes about playing a game of paicho, something that it came from their world. A strategic game that could lead into wonderful and yet hilarious moments into seeing old people fighting and arguing with each other.
Some of them were royalty, leaders of their nation… Which was a good surprise. To even to point out that each of them have their own story to share… And some were indeed heartbreaking for Tenji who could see how Jiro in empathy gave taps on the back of those who came on there to be friendly.
They were indeed a group of unique people that Tenji made sure that they would always be welcomed to eat, drink tea, as long they also bring ingredients, and play paicho, since they would need to pay up for the tea set, since one of them clearly can make tea warms just by bending fire of his hands.
Something that Tenji kinda was curious on how to do it, since he might want to have a few ideas on improving his art style of cooking and fighting in case he does his researches of ingredients.
“Ah, this game is so confusing.” Subaru commented as he was defeated in the next 10 minutes. Which then he looked at the clock. And it was indeed the time of his shift to end. “Hey Tenji, it’s time for me and Kazuma to go, do you need something?”
“Nah, you two have fun on the studies and playing MMORPG with Suzuki Satoru.” Tenji waved as the boys clearly changed their clothes, and waved their goodbyes.
Which Jiro then had a good time sharing knowledge of his world towards the group who seemed so eager to learn about the creatures of Gourmet World, to even share their creatures names and if was never once heard before. Which would clearly to causes some debates if they were normal creatures or creatures of Spiritiual World.
Until the door once again was opened, and Tenji blinked at seeing what would be something that he never saw before… a small, insectoid-like being with a black body and a white shell that has two horns and eye holes. Wearing a navy-blue, charcoal-colored cloak and what would be a piece of metal as used as swor in a strange shape without guard.
“Welcome to Ignis Habet Gustum or in other languages Fire has Taste, I’m Tenji, the owner and the chef of this restaurant, be free to sit and take a look on the menu, if you want something you can ask me right away.” Tenji gave a polite bow, to a creature that it seems it has the size until his knee. Which was strange to see a creature so different, and yet he couldn’t help but see that person or creature has a bug burden on it, without even realizing that.
The creature simply stared… as it then walked towards one of the tables, and suddenly a light made everyone surprised into seeing the creature there… staring at the menu…
“Hmm, interesting.” One of the old man named Piandao mused as he wasn’t sure on why, but that creature had an incredible talent that wasn’t discovered yet, but he could feel on his bones, that piece of metal would help the creature to reach highs that a swordsman would dream to become.
“I win.” Until Piandao heard the voice of someone which made him look in disbelief.
“What? No, you must have cheated, Fung, I know you are hidding some pieces inside of your vest.” Pinado said on his frustration of losing on paicho. Which the group of old people started to yap once again about their game.
Until once again the door was opened, and this time a familiar face came.
“Yohoooo, Tenji~” A voice sang revealing Yang who now was in her cheeky and Ruby who just waved at seeing the chef once again. “How’s shaking handsome?”
“Shaking a drink.” Tenji explained as he was making a martini for someone. “Tou-san, your martini is almost done.”
“Good. Ah, losing once again? This game is really hard.” Jiro commented as he was still learning the game of paicho as a way to be part of the group of intelligence and pass the good time drinking with his new friends.
“So his name is Tou-san?” Ruby asked in curiosity as she never heard a name like that. Which she saw Tenji chuckling.
“Actually Tou-san means dad. He’s my adoptive father.” Tenji explained as both sisters blinked a few time, and saw the bunch of old men talking and playing a board game. “He’s the one who keeps always drinking.”
“Oh my Oum, he looks like he drinks like uncle Crow.” Ruby commented as Yang nodded her head, and pulled shirt collar.
“He does look good.” Yang tried to give him a compliment, but she saw Tenji nodded his head.
“Well for a person who has more than 500 years, he’s still in a great shape.” Tenji nodded as that moment was like a drop bomb.
“WHAT?!” The duo of sisters said loudly, as the old man paused and stared at them… Which Tenji simply chuckled.
“So, how can I help you? Oh by the way Yang, I’m still have your tab here.” The chef commented as Ruby stared at her sister, who whistled.
“Damn, I thought you forgot about it, but yeah, I brought the money. 29000 lyen here, so paying the tab I also want to check what else is on menu for me and my sister.” With was indeed enough to pay the bill of the last drinks, and was a good for the girls having a lunch and a dessert.
“Huh, well, here’s the menu, if you check on the 0-star menu, the lien had the same value as yen, so if you see the values I think you can find a good meal for the lunch.” Tenji explained, as the girls had a whole book of what items would be for them to eat, which made their eyes grow big, but then they checked the first 2 pages which were focused only on 0-star meals and they look very cheap. “Woah there’s meals of 25 lien here? This must be something I must try. Please tell me it’s good.”
“Well, nobody complained when I did it. So I think it’s good for people who wants to give a try.” Tenji explained, as Ruby also thought about it.
“If we do a meal of 50 lien here, and then focus on the others thousands into paying food a great dessert, then it means we have fulfilled our bellies with the best of the world. BWAHAHAHAHA” Ruby tried to do a malevolent laugh, but she sounded so adorable, that she got a pinch on her face cheeks by her own sister. “Ouch… Yaaaaaang, don’t you see I’m trying to be dramatic here?”
“Dramatic? With this cute little attitude? I cannot see it drama on you. You are so cute.” Yang babytalked to her sister who made angry-adorable-ruby noises as the big blonde sister looked at the tiny insectoid sitting at one of the other table. “Awww, look at that one, he looks so cute.”
Which Yang went to see the young little creature.
“Hi, name’s Yang, nice to meet you, what’s your name?” Yang sat as she talked to the creature, who was in complete in silence, and then stared at her. Which from the sound of nothing. She just shrugged off. “Nice talk champs, catch to you later…”
And when she reached over the balcony she glared at Tenji.
“Why didn’t you tell me he doesn’t talk?” Yang hissed at the cook who blinked a few times.
“You didn’t ask.” Tenji replied, as Yang slammed her head on the balcony. “And to be honest that insectoid just came a few minutes ago, and I don’t think it actually talks, however, I my gut is telling me that creature had a long story and it’s just about to start it’s journey.”
“Huh, interesting.” Ruby commented as she looked at the young insectoid, and just gave a small wave… which she awwned when the little creature waved to her as well. “It’s so cute. I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad. I mean, I think it’s world is full of rainbows and good and lovable people.”
As the poor girl, had no idea on what that little insectoid creature world was truly made off…
“Okay, Jaune, keep calm… You prepared your whole life for this, as much your dad doesn’t want to teach you how to be a huntsman, it always had been your dream. So all you have to do it’s go to Vale, find the person who can make the falsifications for you to go at Beacon Academy and learn how to be a Huntsman on there.” The young blonde who traveled across the cities, and did his best to not get nauseous from the transportation he got, made sure to run away from home, just for the sake of going a after his dream. “I think the place I must find the falsications must be right over there.”
And by turning the left, if he had walked 10 minutes head, he would have found the club which would be the best part of making the falsications, but instead he walked towards a door that 2 girls had gotten inside… Which as soon the boy entered, he saw a bunch of old man on the corner, two beautiful girls, a boy who clearly was talking and flirting with one of them, and that boy was also cooking for them…
Which the young Jaune Arc couldn’t help but ask…
“Did I just got on the right place?” Jaune asked, as if he knew where he had gotten, he would have sworn that maybe not getting out of his bed that day would have been a better idea.