One more drink won't hurt

"Hey, sorry I took so long. I was admiring the art on the walls," she says.

"Oh yeah, the bar has a few pieces of artwork," the old man says. "There's a painting by an Alolan artist, a few sculptures from Galar, and then there is this masterpiece," he says, pointing at a big painting on the wall.

"That's beautiful," Helena says. "Is that a Gardevoir?"

"Yes, it's a beautiful painting of a Gardevoir," the old man replies. "It's actually my favorite piece."

"Wow," you say.

"Anyway," the old man says. "I see your drinks are almost empty, would you like another round?"

"That would be lovely," Helena replies.

Wanting to try something different this time, you pick up the drink menu again. "Hmm..." You say while looking through the list. Oh, this one sounds nice. Eevee Elixir: A colorful and "evolving" cocktail that changes flavor as you sip. It features layers of different fruit juices and flavored liqueurs. It starts as a fruity mix of berries and vodka, but transforms subtly as you drink, symbolizing Eevee's multiple evolutionary paths.

"I think I'll take an Eevee Elixir," you say.

"And for me, a Hunter's Haze, please," Helena says.

"Great choices," the old man replies. He quickly goes about making the drinks while you look at the menu to find the drink Helena ordered. Hunter's Haze: A bewitching black cocktail with black vodka, blackberry liqueur, and a splash of tonic water. It's garnished with dry ice for a smoky effect, just like Haunter's ghostly appearance. It's perfect for the seasoned drinker and the curious beginner. And before you know it, they're ready.

"Here you go," he says, handing you and Helena the drinks.

"Cheers," Helena says, and the two of you clink your glasses.

As you take a sip, you feel the flavors changing, just as the menu says. At first, it's a fruity mix of berries and vodka, but on your next sip, the flavors shift to something smokier and darker. You take a third sip, and the flavors have changed again, this time to something herbal and spicy.

"Wow, that's amazing," you say, amazed by the flavors.

"Yeah, this is great," Helena says. "Hey, let's toast."

"Toast?" You ask.

"Yeah," Helena replies, raising her glass. "To us and our journey."

"To us," you say, raising your glass as well.

You and Helena clink your glasses, and then the two of you continue sipping your drinks. You're surprised at how delicious the drinks are, and you wonder how the old man makes them. But first, you need to use the restroom.

"I'll be right back," you say, getting up.

"Okay," Helena replies.

As you stand up, you feel the **** starting to hit you. "Damn, how much was in that?" You ask yourself this as you make your way around the corner and into the bathroom.

After you use the restroom, you wash your hands and look at yourself in the mirror. Your eyes are a little red, and your face is a little flushed, but you don't look drunk yet.

I should probably eat something. How long have we been here anyway? You take a few deep breaths and then leave the bathroom. When you turn the corner, you almost bump into Helena.

"Sorry," she says, laughing. "I just wanted to get a better view of the painting.

"It is quite pretty," you say, admiring the picture.

"Yeah, but not as pretty as you," Helena replies.

"Oh, stop it!" you say, blushing.

"I mean it," she says, leaning closer to you. "You're gorgeous."

"Uhm, thanks," you say, unsure what to do.

"You know," she says, running a hand through her hair. "I've been thinking about this for a while." Helena grabs your head and leans forward, kissing you. Your heart pounds and your mind spins.

Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? But then her tongue slides across your lips, and you taste the sweet and smoky flavor of the Hunter's Haze.

It's all real, and you kiss her back, parting your lips and letting her tongue explore your mouth. Your hands move to her hips, and she moans into the kiss, her own hands moving to your ass. Your breasts press against each other, and your nipples harden. The kiss becomes more intense, and her hands begin to explore your body. Her fingers find their way under your shirt, and she rubs your belly. You're so turned on that you can barely think straight. Then, you remember that you're in a public place, and any second now, the old man could turn the corner and see you making out.

"Woah, woah, slow down," you say, pulling away from the kiss.

"Sorry," Helena says, a bit out of breath. "The **** must have gotten to me."

"I'm not saying I didn't like it," you reply. "But we are in a public place, and this is moving a little fast."

"I know, I'm sorry," she says. "But when I saw you looking at me, I couldn't help myself."

"I guess I'm flattered," you reply, blushing.

"Come on," she says, grabbing your hand. "Let's go back to our table."

You and Helena walk back to your table, and the old man looks at the two of you.

"Oh, is everything alright?" He asks.

"Uhh, we were just admiring the art," you reply.

"Alright," the old man says. "Anyway, is there anything else I can get you?"

"You don't serve food here, right?" You ask.

"I'm afraid not," the old man replies. "But for two lovely ladies like yourselves, I can whip something up."

"You don't have to do that," Helena says.

"It's no trouble," the old man replies. "Besides, I'm an excellent cook."

"Well, okay then," you say. "What kind of food do you make?"

"I'll surprise you," the old man says, smiling. "Why don't you sit tight, and I'll get to work?"

"Sounds good," you reply.

You and Helena settle back into your seats, and the old man vanishes behind the counter.

"Do you think he suspects anything?" You ask.

"Probably not," Helena replies. "But we should probably try to keep our distance from each other."

"Yeah, you're right," you say. "By the way, did you get his name?"

"I think it was Earwyn," Helena says.

"Earwyn, huh? That's an interesting name," you say.

"Yes, but it suits him," Helena replies.

The two of you make small talk while Earwyn cooks, and a short while later, you start smelling something delicious. Your stomach rumbles, and you realize that you're starving.

"Mmm, that smells good," Helena says.

"Indeed," Earwyn says, carrying two bowls shaped like Pumpkaboos and just as large. He sets one down in front of each of you, and your mouth waters.

"Here you go, two Gratin a la Pumpkaboo," he says. "Made from scratch, with love."

"Wow, thank you," you say.

"Yes, thank you," Helena replies.

"Bon appetit," Earwyn says.

You and Helena dig into the food, and the moment the flavors hit your tongue, you're in heaven. The pumpkin flavor is rich and creamy, and the spices are perfectly balanced. It's easily the best gratin you've ever had.

"This is amazing," you say.

"It is," Helena replies.

"Glad you like it," Earwyn says, smiling.

"How did you make it?" You ask.

"My secret recipe," he replies. "But if you really want to know, the trick is in the spices. They have to be perfectly balanced, and I add just a dash of cum in for extra flavor."

It takes you a few seconds to realize what he just said. "Wait, what? Cum?" You ask.