[lonewolf]

UAU had many resources, but a few that Mark wished was easier to handle was a way to do a proper BBQ. He had appropriated a few pieces of equipment to start the summer break, namely a gas grill and enough meats and spices to have a small cookout. There was no proper patio to do this at, so he just set everything up near a back entrance with a few plastic tables and tent pavilions. No seating, but that was why the Caddy was backed up for.

Why was Mark doing this, you may ask? If it were anyone else, they might suspect ulterior motive, or perhaps he was looking for dirt on his fellow staff or juicy information he might be able to use in the future. It might have even been possible he was trying to figure out a way to increase his status at the school.

In reality, the man didn't have any friends and something that didn't carry over well, at least in his opinion, was the summer barbeque. He would openly admit that Japanese cuisine was excellent in its own right and all the fancy flavors were interesting. However, when it came to nostalgic flavor he had to admit he was missing home, wherever that might be. Besides, it'd also be a good way to pick other people's brains about other ways to torture teach students in a practical way.

[Shirayuki Mai]

Mai stopped herself from blanching as she took another sip of her soda, not at all used to the way the bubbles within the carbonated drink fizzled. Unfortunately she hadn't spotted a kettle during the quick glance she gave the surroundings and looking around any more would give her the appearance of some naive tourist, something she very much would prefer to avoid. So soda it was. Even if she wasn't sure whether it'd be a good match for the Yakiniku. It was only when she was halfway through the can that she remembered she brought sake for exactly that reason.

"Ho~ I've never seen these types of cuts used for Yakiniku. Are these common in America?" Mai asked innocently while unloading her grocery bag so she didn't forget anything else. Bottles of sake, Yakiniku sauce and various thin cuts of meat joined an assortment of pre-cut vegetables before she neatly folded the bag back up and put it in her pocket. It'd been a while since she'd had charcoal Yakiniku so she couldn't help but look forward to it. Another sip of her soda reminded her that this one might be quite different than the ones she was used to but Mai had never shied away from new experiences.

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Tags: lonewolf

[Sadako Gotoh]

With the change from spring to summer Sadako could finally start to enjoy the outdoors a little more. Not only that, but with the summer break fast approaching she would get a break from her counseling job, at least for the most part. Students rarely came to her with urgent matters over the break, but it had happened before. Still, with the coming of summer, there was a different air about the campus, like everyone was collectively relaxing a little bit.

''It's been a while since I've been to a barbeque, especially the American kind.'' She strolled up to the others carrying an energy drink in one hand and keeping her other on the brim of her big summer hat. As much as she enjoyed the summer she was also from a family that consisted mainly of snow and ice quirks, so the Sun was a merciless entity to her pale skin.

''Do you miss it back home, Browning-san?'' She looked up at a couple of clouds drifting by. ''Before I started my hero career I stayed abroad in America, but I couldn't help but miss my home the entire time.'' She smiled back at them, directing her next question at Mai. ''Have you traveled abroad, Shirayuki-san?''

Shirayuki Mai
lonewolf

[lonewolf]

So far the only thing on the grill was a rack of ribs, several patties for burgers, and several hot dogs. Whatever spices and rubs he was using wafted up and combined with the smoke, giving a hearty smell through the area. "It varies from place to place," he says to Mai, shrugging. "You go out to Texas and you might see whole pigs or slabs of beef on a spit over a fire pit. Some people also throw on pig shoulder to make pulled pork, whole chickens, and various other things. Figured I'd do something a little smaller. What all did you bring? That the tiny bits for grilling over here?"

He flipped a few of the patties over, then looking over at Sada. "Plenty enough. Travelled all over the heartlands and some of the West coast, but needed a change of pace. Figured I'd try things here." It was a lie, but at the same time he was never quite sure how to broach the subject surrounding his brother. That wasn't the purpose of today, though. It was all about grilling, and find new ways to tortu- I mean teach students.

Sadako Gotoh Shirayuki Mai

[Shirayuki Mai]

"I see," Mai nodded in reply. She had thought the jokes of American food always trying to be bigger were just that but clearly there was some truth to it. It was quite interesting to see the differences. She froze for a moment when she realized she'd called it Yakiniku. Wasn't there another name for the American version? Barbeque? She was aware that it had gained more and more popularity in recent years so it really wasn't a mistake she should've made. "I- I am much more used to Yakiniku than Barbeque so I brought some meats and vegetables traditionally used in Japan for v- variety."

Variety could never hurt after all, Mai justified to herself. Taking another sip of her soft drink her face almost scrunched when the prickles caught her off guard once more. She nearly jumped when Sadako addressed her.

"Ah, I have not." Mai answered before frowning. Should she have? In this day and age where everything was getting more and more interconnected she could certainly see the benefits. Wait. Was it expected that someone of their profession gained more multicultural experience? Did she miss the memo due to her more traditional upbringing? Perhaps she should find some time to go on a trip...

"Are there any destinations you would recommend, Sadako-sensei?"

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Tags: lonewolf Sadako Gotoh

[Nurse May]

I juuuuust got hired in time for the barbie!

Listen up. I was kicking ass in the interview. There was no question as to whether I was getting the job offer. But Hebiru could sense my hesitation — it’s hard to hide when all I’ve had is my morning mimosa and a cranberry vodka for brunch. The butterflies were ready to emerge from their Chrysalis and without a glass of whiskey neat to ease my nerves, Hebiru looked to appease my appetite instead of my thirst. My mouth was watering. Pulled pork and chopped brisket? I’m in. A quick flight across the world and it was all mine!

“Heyyy,” I show up in pretty professional attire, a white button-up tucked in my high-rise black slacks. Of course, you can’t forget the patented eyepatch coupled with a mischievous twinkle in my eye. I reach into one of the three reusable bags I’m carrying with me and let out a devilish grin. “I brought the sangria~”

---

lonewolf Sadako Gotoh Shirayuki Mai

[Sadako Gotoh]

''I see, I suppose there is a big cultural difference between here and America, so it's a good place to start again.'' Lone Wolf was an interesting case to her. They were both in some position of authority at the school, but their views on how to best help students varied wildly from what she had heard about his lessons. ''Any I would recommend? Hmm..'' She took great joy in pretending to think of different places when she already had one in mind. ''I loved New York when I went abroad, it's a total culture shock.'' She added with a smile.

She was taking a sip of her drink when May arrived, offering her friendly wave. ''You must be the new nurse? I'm Sadako Gotoh, the counselor, I look forward to working with you.'' She bowed politely. Why was she being so formal today, addressing her colleagues by last name? Maybe it was just her nerves. When was the last time she had been to an event like this? It could easily have been a full year already. Well, whatever, she had her own food to grill. She blinked, doing a double take of what May just said. ''Sangria? You're really bringing the party spirit.'' She teased. Sadako had brought an assortment of chicken, fish and vegetables, all her favorites for the grill.

''How's everyone's summer been so far?''

lonewolf
Shirayuki Mai
Nurse May

[lonewolf]

"Much as I like the Yak-nu, doesn't seem to do it for me," he says, completely butchering the word. He even recognizes this, but decides to carry on; he wasn't a native speaker, and while his Japanese was passible he wasn't going to be able to catch all his mistakes. Though after a moment he points at the things she brought, looking a little apologetic. "Might need your help with the veggies then, all I know how to with 'em is either steam or nuke, and the last lady I cooked for didn't like either method of mine." It was an amusing memory of his, though painfully true. He didn't see a problem with his methods, but that was because he was used to cooking for himself.

Though with the talk of visiting different places of the US, Mark couldn't help but scrunch his nose. "Ain't the rats bigger than dogs there? And that they live in the subways?" This might be strange coming from someone who lived in the US, but it was a big place. All Mark's haunts were farther west. "If you want my recommendation, you should stop by San Antonio. Or Colorado Springs. Or anywhere in the heartlands, really. Both coasts are cramped and crowded."

The new nurse got him to turn his head, and the offer of sangria got an eyebrow. "Might have to pass on that. I got beer, but didn't want to get everyone shitfaced. I'm already on Iphi's shitlist, I don't need to give her an excuse to present a case for me to be fired." While teaching was just a stop, he would rather try and keep the job.

He pulled out a pan and pulled a rack of ribs off, setting his utensils aside so he could put it on a table. "I need more elaborate traps. Word's getting around how to defeat the ones in No Man's Land. I'll give props to the kids for both sharing intel and doing research, but my scenarios aren't meant to be beat. Three different groups have managed to penetrate my defenses."

Nurse May Sadako Gotoh Shirayuki Mai

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

"Perhaps a multitude of objectives could provide a solution. An overwhelming amount of problems oft forces one to neglect certain goals to prioritise others."

As one of UAU's resident healthcare providers it was a conundrum Hebiru was all too familiar with. The constant injuries students seemed to incur both on and off campus left her with far too little free time to focus as much on her own pursuits as she would have wanted. Drinking from the coffee cup she brought with her Hebiru's eyes briefly rested on the new hire. With some luck her workload would be decreasing soon. The woman's quirk was fascinating and while she didn't quite believe it had no side effects the effort that would go into monitoring any student's health after May's quirk had been used on them shouldn't take more time than the usual procedures. Hopefully. 

"There has been an uptick in fish-related injuries." Hebiru replied to Sadako with a straight face. "But otherwise summer has been manageable thus far. How has your summer been going?"

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Tags: lonewolf  Sadako Gotoh  Nurse May  Shirayuki Mai

[Nurse May]

May grabbed three glasses out of her bag, pressing them against her body as she poured out drinks. She couldn’t help but stifle a laugh, desperately trying to keep the glasses from falling.

“You’re funny!” This is where May would wink if it weren’t for her eyepatch. Or where she would not wink if she let her eyepatch dictate how she lived her life. Limitation breeds creativity. And that’s why when she winks, she puts her entire body into it so onlookers don’t mistake it as a blink. “No one’s getting fired. You’re supposed to get shitfaced as barbeques. ;)”

“I try Sadako but a party can’t spirit by itself. It needs a friend!” May pushes her hip out, offering one of the drinks while carrying the bottle and three bags in her other arm. There must be easier ways to do this, but she’s too caught up in the moment. One of the glasses is empty, somehow disappearing before she finishes her offer.

“HEBI!” May has a big ol’ smile. “WHERE’S MY BRISKET? HMMM?? :D”

---

Yanai Hebiru lonewolf Sadako Gotoh

[Shirayuki Mai]

"Of course," Mai answered Mark with a soft laugh. "I'll handle the vegetables." Turning her head to face Sadako once more she listens attentively. "New York? Are there any things I'd need to keep in mind when visiting?" She blinked at Mark's next words.

"Giant rats? Surely you jest? There's no such thing. Right?" Perhaps he was joking. Mai wasn't so sure but she hoped he was. "Oh, I've heard of San Antonio." Or at the very least she'd heard of a city starting with San located in America. Mai was unaware there were multiple. 

"Ah, hello. My name is Shirayuki Mai, it's nice to meet you." She said in greeting to the new arrival before sending a friendly nod Hebiru's way as well. "I can't say I've had Sangria before. I brought Sake as well, feel free to take some."

Mai could only hope the drinking wouldn't get too intense. She still had to patrol after this. 

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Tags: lonewolf Sadako Gotoh Nurse May Yanai Hebiru

[Nurse May]

“OMG, yes! Twinning. Mai?” May gestures towards Mai, then herself. “May! And you brought sake?” She wipes a fake tear from her eye. “I’ve never felt more seen.”

Sake’s always been pretty light, so she takes a double shot and chases it down with another glass of sangria. At this point, most people would have felt buzzed but this was what needed to wake up in the morning. Hopefully, no one got too worried!

“Listen,” She leans into Mai. “The brisket is technically all mine — Hebi promised — but for my twin, I can make an exception.” She nudges Mai’s waist. “Whaddya say? Wanna give me the UAU scoop and hot goss’?”

---

Shirayuki Mai

[Sadako Gotoh]

''Cooking can be a personal thing.'' Was all she added, she wasn't about to admit that she ate cheap takeout food more often than not. She did want to get better at cooking, she just didn't have the time to really focus on bettering her technique. ''The rats?'' She laughed at the idea. The odd rat with a quirk might grow that big these days, but he made it sound like it was an infestation. ''I found it was a bit like Tokyo, if you do visit my advice is leave the touristy areas when you go out for dinner and try to find something more local.'' She hadn't been much farther west, but she would love to go back to America someday, maybe on her next vacation.

''You're on Iphi's shitlist?'' She smirked at Lone Wolf. ''You must have done something pretty stupid to end up there.'' She teased, downing what little was left in her energy drink. ''I'll help 'spirit' this party then!'' She smiled at May, accepting a new drink. Unlike Mai she didn't have a patrol to go on, just paperwork to do back at the Ouros Agency.

''Surely that means the students are improving, right?'' She offered a little shrug at Lone Wolf's comment about needing more elaborate traps. ''Fish-related trauma too. As if the Elementalist wasn't enough,'' She let out a sigh. ''UAU just can't catch a break.'' She looked down at her glass. ''Well, alcohol is a good start.''

lonewolf
Nurse May
Yanai Hebiru
Shirayuki Mai

[lonewolf]

Mark paused, looking over all the meats he had up on his grill. "I couldn't find any brisket, and there's none up here. I can always throw on another rack of ribs." He did sound a little disappointed, though. It was bad enough he couldn't get a proper pork butt, but brisket on top of it? Hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs were the best he could do.

"I'll consider multiple objectives. I've been trying to spice things up with volunteer students, so stretching them out thinner might do the trick. Only downside to that is I can only focus on so much space." He nods to Sadako, letting out a wistful sigh. "Kids are getting better, though. Especially the higher years. Though a few I'm gonna have to beat over the head and ensure they know that I'm using practice rounds, 'cause the real deal can and will chew through a car door or a layer of brick." While there was a layer of frustration, he was proud that the students were beginning to figure out all his tricks.

And with this he'd follow up on the shitlist comment: "Look, it's not my fault she's gorgeous and is classy on top of it. All I'll say is she made it very clear where the boundaries lie, and I ain't gonna cross that line again." And that was all he was gonna say. He was very paranoid about people knowing what his quirk did, and the less that knew the better.

That said, he'd circle back to geography while making space for Mai to start her work. "Big as dogs. There's also gators in the sewers, but I'm sure that's an urban legend." He'd not bother with the drinking thing or the statement about what the kids were up to; he didn't want to go on a rant like he did with that journalist.

Nurse May Shirayuki Mai Yanai Hebiru Sadako Gotoh

[Hasani Serna]

A N U B I S

THE JUDGEMENT HERO

“Perhaps your struggle is a sign that you should leave simulations to the actual professionals,” a deep voice interjected from the doorway of the back entrance Mark had selected for his quaint attempt at a gathering. Another of the university’s recently hired faculty leaned against the frame belonging to the door he had just opened on the unexpected scene before him. In spite of potentially incendiary words, his stance was casual, one leg crossed over the other and hands sheathed in the pockets of designer slacks for one of his airy summer suits that cost more than the entire barbecue setup thrice over. Grill and host included.

“Dr. Hasani Serna,” he added before the thoughts of who from those present could fill his mind. “The new head of UAU’s Support Department.” His eyes had been drifting across the women present before zeroing in on Mark and narrowing as he added, “And the Hero Course simulation coordinator.” It was an introduction that declared himself as the aforementioned professional. “I’ll add this to the list of areas that need to be refined in the wake of my predecessor’s departure.” It was a long list. Hasani disliked work, but he liked being in charge. Which is why he was at the office outside of normal work hours in the first place.

Notes & Tags: lonewolf Shirayuki Mai Sadako Gotoh Nurse May Yanai Hebiru | Outfit