Brad Beams' Card story – Adult Time

[kozvme]

Brad: (I was able to finish my work earlier today. I wish there weren't so many complications all the time...)

Bianchi: Oh my, Brad-san?

Brad: ... Bianchi?

Bianchi: Good evening. Now, that's new to me. Would you like to join me for a drink?

Brad: I was going to drink by myself, but... well, that also works. I'll take you up on that.
I'm not sure whether this is coincidental or not, but it certainly is unusual. Is Jude not with you?

Bianchi: Not you too, Brad-san. Please don't make it sound like we're always together. I drink alone most of the time.
And the same could be said about you. Isn't it strage for you to drink alone? I thought you'd always be with Keith-san.

Brad: Well... the master here has invited me to come by on my own from time to time.

Bianchi: Oh dear ♪ You're aaalways keeping an eye out for Keith-san, so I suppose he wanted you to drink comfortably once in a while.

Brad: Apparently, yes. When I think about it, I rarely remember having a drink in peace. This is without a doubt a prime opportunity.

Bianchi: A quiet drink is also a good thing, fufu.
And I don't think we would have met otherwise... do you?

Brad: Yeah, you're right.



Bianchi: By the way, how are the rookies?

Brad: Why the sudden question?

Bianchi: You know, I'm from South Sector too. It's not strange that I'm curious, is it?

Brad: I suppose you're right... It's evident that Akira and Will are still inexperienced.
But, yes, they've grown more than I had imagined.

Bianchi: Oh dear, that's a lot of praise. Also, based on how people in the city talk about them, they made a good reputation for themselves.
This reminds me of the "Demon Family" from Halloween League! That certainly was a nice motif. Even my heart jumped with joy ♪

Brad: Thank you for everything. As usual, the design department was quite helpful.

Bianchi: Likewise. Seeing you go to such lenghts makes it worthwhile.
LOM has become more popular, and its reputation may be better now than it was when we were rookies.

Brad: Why would you say that? I doubt Robin would agree with that.

Bianchi: Ah...

Brad: ... Would you feel better at ease if we avoided talking about Robin?

Bianchi: ... On the contrary, please tell me more. I'd like to learn more about a Robin we didn't know. 

Brad: If you say so. To be honest, I wasn't particularly close to him, but... come to think of it, our conversations were mostly about you rookies.
To be mindful of not destroying your individuality because all of you have strong personalities... for example.
Despite his concerns, I believe he supported and mentored you outstandingly. I suppose he understood each of you pretty well.

Bianchi: Is that so... I had no idea he was saying stuff like that.
Robin never told us such things.

Brad: Your concerns as a mentor are not something you could discuss with your mentees.

Bianchi: Yes, I get it, but despite all of that, he could have talked to us... or at least to me.
I'm close in age to him, I wish we could have had those types of conversations...
Now that I think about it, he was always offering me his valuable advice.

Brad: If you put it that way, you could say the same about me. After all, we're peers.

Bianchi: Hehe, I can't really image Robin being all buddy with you, Brad-san.

Brad: You're not wrong.

Bianchi: Hah, I didn't mean to dampen the mood. We never get to meet like this and here we are, talking about such a gloomy story. Let's start all over!

Brad: Alright, then...

Bianchi: A toast to Robin ♪



Bianchi: Uuuugh~ Why did you go without saying anything~

Brad: (I can see why Keith said he gets maudlin when they're drunk now...)

Bianchi: Uuughh, Brad-san~... I'm still very hurt; please become my dress-up doll...

Brad: Only if it's absolutely necessary.

???: Bianchi, this is where you were!

Bianchi: Geh.

Jude: The idea of you drinking alone...
Why didn't you invite me along!? If you call me, I'll be there in three minutes, regardless of when, where, or what I'm doing!

Bianchi: Haah, that tipsiness I was feeling? Gone... Even my tears have dried up...

Jude: Tears...? Did this guy do something to you!?

Bianchi: Whatever made you think it was him...?

Brad: ... Things have become little livelier. Master, the checkー
......
Never mind, I think I'll just have one more drink.



Jude: I'll keep you company myself now, Bianchi. Drink to your heart's content.

Bianchi: Hey now! Why are you sitting next to me!?

Brad: (Come to think of it, Robin used to observe the commotion around him from a distance.
I wonder whether he's watching from somewhere right now...)

Bianchi: Just go home already! I was having an incredible time drinking with Brad-san!
Why don't you tell him as well, Brad-san? That you'd rather drink with just the two of us.

Brad: ... I wonder.

Jude: Why youー

Keith: Oooooh, Brad~ How could you drink without me~

Brad: ......

Keith: Dun ignore me. And answer your phone... I want in it, too!

Brad: ... Sorry, but I need to take care of this drunkard. Let's call it a day.

Bianchi: Eeeh, are you heading home already? If Keith-san joins us, we can drink more~

Brad: Hopefully there will be another chance for that. We probably won't be able to chat peacefully anymore today.

Keith: You've gotta be kiddin' me! I came all the waー

Brad: Quiet.

Keith: Ow, that huuuuurt!? W- Watchu doin'!

Brad: Tone it down. Don't go causing problems for the bar.

Bianchi: Hah, I guess it cannot be helped...
It's a promise, then. Join me for a drink once you get the chance to ♡

Brad: Sure, you have my word.
Let's go, Keith. Put those legs to use.