"For All Your Geeky Needs!"

"Here we are!" Nariko proclaims with glee. "Welcome, to the nerd store!"

Before you is a small, but pleasant looking shop. The windows hold posters advertising various comics and games. From what you can see, there is a space themed wallpaper inside. However, the part that has your attention is a sign above labeled "The Nerd Store".

"I thought you were joking when you called it that. Who names things like that?" You ask, baffled.

Nariko laughs. "I hear it was originally called Galaxy Games or something like that, but the owner lost a bet. Just a rumor though."

You both pass through the threshold. Various sections surround you, including comics, video games, and tabletop games as well. There are even packs from a card game you played as a kid, though you didn't know how to play back then. In the tabletop section you happen to notice a woman who has a vague resemblance to Braka, she likely is an orc like he is. Next to her is someone in baggy clothes that prevent you from telling anything other than that they have horns that curve back across their head.

What catches your attention the most is not a new face, but a familiar one. "Brian?!"

The elf guy at the counter stands up straight and puts on a practiced expression. He has long platinum blonde hair, sharp features, and most importantly eyes that are completely black outside of the glowing, white irises. "Welcome to The Nerd Store, where we have everything for all your geeky needs! How may I help you?" After he opens his eyes back up, the fake smile across his face becomes much more genuine. "Alex! What're ya doin here, dude?"

"I could ask you the same thing. You told me you were staying with your grandpa." He grabs your hand and pulls you into a tight hug.

After releasing you, he gestures to the store you are in. "Why do ya think I'm workin here? This's pop's pride and joy." He turns to Nariko with that same look as before. "I'm sorry, miss. Is there something I can help you with?"

She ruffles your hair. "No, I'm with this nerd. I wanted to visit here for a while." This gets a raised eyebrow from Brian. "I'm going to check out the place." As she starts to walk towards the comic section, she says, "Don't take to long, ok?"

"So ya're hangin out with Nariko, huh?" Brian gives you a concerned look. "At least she gave ya somethin, or I guess took would be the better word here." He notices your confusion. "Ya ain't a virgin no more, dude." Before you can ask, he stops you and points at one of his eyes. "Virgins have a more stifled mana flow in their sacral chakra. Yar's is flowin much freer now."

You stand their embarassed and stunned. How do you even respond to that? After a bit you just nod your head.

He lets out a sigh. "Nariko has a bit of a reputation. It ain't my place to tell ya much. Just know she ain't the relationship type, okay?" As you ponder his words, he continues. "Good on her for livin her life to the fullest. I just-" He rests his cheek on his hand. "I just don't want ya to get hurt again, Alex." You start to walk away but he stops you. "Wait a second." He quickly writes something down on a strip of paper then hands it to you. "Lost my phone in the move, here's my new number."

'I knew it!' With a nod of understanding you head to the comic section to find Nariko. 'Do you want to have a harem?' echos through your mind for a moment. Do you? 'I am not sure.'

When you get close you catch the conversation between Nariko and a small green woman, presumably a goblin. "I'm telling you, fantasy has some of my favorite writing. Not much compares." Nariko proclaims.

"Yes, I understand, but you shouldn't dismiss an entire genre just because it doesn't match one of your preferences. You really should give sci-fi a chance." The goblin says with passion and just a hint of annoyance.

Nariko goes to say something, but stops when she notices you there. "Did I interrupt something?" you ask nervously.

She shakes her head. "Not at all. In fact, you might be able to help us, Alex. Fantasy or Sci-fi?"

The goblin turns to you. She stands really short at roughly 3'6". From what you can tell, she is slightly chubby with wide hips and a modest chest. Her long, black hair is in a tight and neat bun. There are cute freckles dotting her cheeks and nose. The two small fangs on her lower jaw are barely visable when her mouth is closed. You can't help but notice that her nose makes you want to boop it.

There is a sudden feeling of excitement building in you. "Honestly both are incredibly enjoyable. Fantasy tends to explore the more mystic themes of life while sci-fi tends to explore more tangable ones. They aren't exclusive from each other as..." You bite your lip as embarassment fills you. While the initial excitement pushed you through it, you are now very aware of the two beautiful women looking at you.

Nariko gives a teasing smile. "How about we hang out sometime? You two can show me what I'm missing. The name's Nariko, by the way."

The goblin seems a bit nervous, but nods. "My name is Elizabeth, but please call me Eliza."

While Elizabeth is looking down, Nariko shoots you a wink. She seems to be trying to encourage you to do something. Despite the knot in your throat, you say "I am Alex. It is nice to meet you, Eliza." This earns you another, slightly more frantic nod.

The busty seductress manages to convince you all to exchange phone numbers, making you realize that you hadn't done that with Nariko yet. At least now if there is an accident, you all have contact with each other.

As you all leave the store, you catch the orc and horned person from earlier at the counter. Brian is looking at the orc with a big smile. "Lucy! How's my favorite sports star doin?" It has been a while since you had seen him look so cheerful. It brings a smile to your face.

You two are about to part with Eliza, but you don't want this to end so soon. You want to make friends, right? "H-Hey, Eliza. There is a diner that Nariko mentioned nearby. D-Do you want to check it out w-with us?"

Eliza seems shocked for a second, but after thinking about it for a bit, she responds. "Y-yeah. I'd love to." Nariko mumbles something under her breath.