Chapter 5: Going out

Chapter 5: Going out 

"So this is how I actively train to unlock new Turbo Modes?" I question, when I saw some weird symbols of what seemed like calculations from Steel and Tom.

"Yes, if your body gets used to the varying outputs of Turbo Energy and you allow me to access my internal memories and code I will eventually unlock any and all Turbo Modes. As a base, I already have Flight mode unlocked so you just need to match the energy output." Steel explained.

My only problem was that I didn't want to be doing any training where my identity is easily exposed, and training in this energy will definitely expose me.

So for now, maybe for a couple of days or weeks, I won't really be training with this energy until I go to some mountains like monks.

And then the next 3 days were just spent with me gradually increasing the control of my Turbo Energy.

Buzz as usual was spending most of his time gaming and now claims that minecraft is no longer a challenge for him.

Well that was until I turned off Keep inventory and asked him to refight the bosses.

That should keep him entertained for a couple of weeks.

Maybe then I can up the difficulty to medium mode.

Steel was either running calculations on to unlock our Invisibility mode, or helping Tom with his youtube channel.

Tom was the busiest of the trio, trying to become self-dependent and maybe even get some advertisement opportunities to make big bucks.

I didn't intend to take any of Tom's money, and if he gave me some so be it, he can do what he wants since I don't mind providing for him.

Right now I was closing shop again, and I saw Barry's awkward interaction with Patty as she passed her number to him claiming it was for work.

I was right there cleaning the counter so when Barry turned around to get his order of coffee I could see the stupidly happy smile on his face.

"What?" He questioned when he turned towards me.

"Nothing, just haven't seen you be so happy since…who was the other one? Linda?." I voiced my opinion, which was the truth.

His life was sort of depressing, I was surprised when his Father was released from prison, which means Barry didn't have his father with him for no reason.

His good friend and Iris fiance Eddie had passed away.

He lost his mom as a kid.

And he had helped me out on multiple occasions. I truly believe if anyone could be his friend they would be lucky since he is a kind person.

"No, this isn't like that. She's a work friend." Barry said, trying to justify what was going on in his mind.

"Dude she basically asked you out but covered it since she didn't know if you were interested." I clarified.

"Really?" He asked in disbelief.

Sigh, he gives me typical protagonist vibes.

"Wait, not like I should be taking advice from you! When have you even dated?" He questioned me to which I ignored him.

"BARRY, you will not believe what I just did!" Cisco said as he slowly jogged towards us.

He then whispered into his ear and looked as happy as a high-school girl from dramas.

After both of them squealed and celebrated like little girls, Barry turned back towards me

"Didn't you turn 21 recently?" Barry asked me and Cisco seemed to understand what he was getting at.

"I can call Jay, he is almost done with the…project. Maybe even Joe." Cisco mentioned, as Barry then looked at me expectantly.

"No, Tom's home." I said.

"Tom? Wait, is it by chance a cat?" Cisco asked with a suspicious look on his face.

"Yeah…"

Cisco then took out his phone and showed me a photo Tom had uploaded yesterday of him 'Hammering Buzz.'

The second I saw that photo, it got replaced with the pitiful face of Tom when he thought I was mad and I didn't even care.

'Buzz probably deserves it.' I thought as Cisco continued, "This Tom?"

"Mhm, that's Tom."

"No way! I thought Tom was an animated cat though? I have been trying to figure out how the graphics worked, so he is real? Is it a Meta-Cat?" Cisco questioned me.

"No, he is a normal cat…semi-normal. It is hard to explain."

"Well don't worry about taking care of him, I have a friend who loves cats, and LOVES Tom." He mentioned.

I didn't really feel comfortable with a stranger taking care of my cat.

He didn't eat without me present, so he only ate twice a day.

He was very clingy but also stubborn since he didn't like me sacrificing my life for him.

If I didn't return home he would stay up till I returned home but not even say anything.

Honestly, it was one of the reasons I loved him so much. I never once felt pressured since he relied on me, I actually felt happy.

Happy since Tom makes me feel wanted.

"Tom doesn't really do well with people that much…" I said as I tried to make my excuses.

There was also Buzz, and how the hell would I explain Steel.

"Come on Lucas, you always have had some excuse. We won't be out too long, just a couple of drinks." Barry said.

I then thought about it a little.

I had literally only gone out with people a handful of times.

I don't know any people I can truly consider to be my friends, and it doesn't feel that bad to be invited out to go somewhere.

Maybe…just maybe, every things looking up for me.

"Let me just close up here and I will meet you guys tonight. Text me the address. Oh and Cisco, I will send you a list of instructions for Tom, and my house address." I told the pair, who seemed excited at the prospect of going out for a drink.

I mean Barry was a part of law enforcement, so he did probably live a stressful life. I didn't know Cisco that well yet but he seemed ready to blow off some steam.

I then took my phone out to call Tom. I wasn't really worried about his safety per say. I mean, even the system says Tom is nigh-immortal, and I strongly believe if it is something he cannot take care of, I will also have no chance.

Buzz is beside Tom so he is safe, and he doesn't move when people are over so that's fine.

Well Steel…that might be a problem.

It didn't take long for Tom to pick up the video call, and I saw him wearing golden round glasses and behind him were complex mathematical equations.

It seemed like he was in his teacher mode still teaching Steel stuff about Turbo Energy.

"Tom I won't be home tonight, I am going for drinks with friends." I told him directly.

Tom looked at me with a confused look on his face. Contrary to what I expected, he seemed to…be breathing a sigh of relief?!

"This stupid cat...I was so worried about how you would feel! Why do you seem relieved I won't be home?" I questioned.

Tom shook his head, not wanting to explain anything.

"Fine…well, someones coming to take care of you just in case." I informed him, and this seemed to finally get his attention.

"What do you mean you can take care of yourself? And that you're a self-dependent cat that needs no human? Do you not want tuna anymore?"

Tom seemed slightly scared at the prospect of losing his beloved food.

"Anyways, I wanted to ask if Steel wanted to follow me. I just know he is going to reveal himself and cause me a problem of having to explain things if you aren't careful, and the one who is coming is apparently your fan so you're going to be pampered." I explained.

"Your assessment is preposterous, Lucas. I will not cause you any problems….that being said, please let me follow you. I want to explore this world." Steel said, popping up from behind Tom's head.

"Alright then, use the sewer system and meet me at the back of Jitters. Remember, when in doubt, fry all cameras in a mile radius." I told Steel as I cut the call.

Now, I really needed to pack up and meet Barry.

...

Authors note:

You can read up to 10 chapters ahead if you want to on my p#treon.com/Fat_Cultivator