Mission 4 The Time for the Cups have Arrived

Train Man — LNCrawler · All chapters

Mission

4 The Time for the Cups have Arrived

‘She softly reached for my hand and pulled me towards the door’ – a major offensive on Train Man. The words ‘Haven’t decided on our next date’ open the floodgates and lead to an amazing turn of events for the netizens.

656 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:09

Good morning.

Damn, I slept well.

The good kind of tired really makes for a good night’s rest, huh. (´—`)

658 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:13

>>656

when are you getting back out there?

660 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:18

Haven’t decided on our next date yet.

We just left it that we’d get in touch. That’s how it goes.

661 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:18

>>656

mornin. What nice weather today.

665 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:26

A few posts sounded like I shouldn’t tell her how I feel just yet but since last night, I guess there’s been a shift! So now I’m supposed to own up . . .

671 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:37

>>665

Well we haven’t got a clue what you guys are on about in your e-mails . . .

Sounds like you’ve got a good thing going.

You should just work out the timing on your own and take it from there.

672 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:39

The timing should be up to Train Man himself. Don’t listen to the opinions in the thread. This is just my opinion but judging from your report yesterday, you guys are seriously clicking which means the opportunity is ripe. By the way, did Hermes’ friend ever give her feedback about Train Man?

675 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:45

I see . . .

I had no idea . . . 9

>>672

Didn’t get much feedback about her feedback . . .

676 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:47

The fact that you can’t work out the best time to tell her how you feel . . . is kinda Geek-like . . .

679 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:52

Whoa, I got an e-mail.

Looks like she’s reading the printout about fighting off the train pervs.

She says she’s going to try some of it out from early tomorrow morning.

I’m still definitely a Geek . . . ..

680 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:52

>>675

When you say you had no idea . . . are you saying you had no idea you guys were clicking? If so, you are seriously thick.

I thought Hermes decided to get up close and personal because her friend said it was ok.

685 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:55

You know, I was here till 3am last night, and I’ve been following this from two previous threads and well, I live with my girlfriend and she caught me typing away in the middle of the night and basically accused me of cheating on her . . . and then she kept thinking I was cheating on her . . . and the situation escalated into a discussion about splitting up . . . anyway, we haven’t split up yet but she did leave a while ago . . . what do you think, is she making me suffer? . . . . . .because I was jealous of Hermes and Train . . .

I’ve been blown to bits for real with this bomb.

686 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:55

Recently I’ve been dying to tell her she’s cute.

688 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:56

>>685

. . . . . .

689 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 12:56

>>685

Bring her to the thread.

Us Geeks will convince her of the truth.

690 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 12:57

>>685

what the . . .

695 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:00

Lol . . . yep, she’s out and says she’s not planning to come home today.

>>621

Sorry . . . as loyal supporters of the same Train, could you please just let this one go

702 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:05

>>686

Say it.

705 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:06

>>702

If it feels like the right time for Train then it is the right time.

707 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:12

If you held hands all the way through and she pulled you off the train like that . . . and if she says ‘that’s not the kind of relationship I had in mind for us’ that’d be a crime. Impossible.

711 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:16

>705

Definitely. The best time to say it is when you feel like you want to and can actually say it.

But I get this feeling Mista Tren’s personality is similar to mine . . .

That when you tell yourself you have something to say, then that kind of scares you and ends up being the reason why you can’t say it . . . (sorry if I’m way off base)

I don’t know why but this type basically makes a conscious decision then wanders off on a tangent.

And then it arrived out of the blue.

714 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:18

Receiving calllllllll.

716 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:19

Call’s come innnnnn------!

717 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:19

Comecomecome-----!

They’ll get together again today!!!

Wanna do lunch?

Well, I won’t force you or anything!!

738 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:26

Will meet up

740 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:27

738 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:26

Will meet up

ah yeah

ah yeah ah yeah ah yeah ah yeah

ah yeah!

742 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:27

Ahyeahahyeahahyeahahyeah------

743 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:28

Seeing her!

Great . . . respect . . . you da man . . . you is shining . . .

Laters.

747 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:28

Ahyeaaaah

supa dupa mega development----!!!!

748 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:28

Day time bomb!

749 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:28

Whoa! It’s a kamikaze!!!! Train’s been possessed by the kamikaze spirit!!!

752 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:29

Who could have predicted this attack in broad daylight?

757 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:29

They’ve come at us knowing we were vulnerable in daylight

771 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:32

goo hoooos

775 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:33

goo hooos???????

779 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:33

>>771

Wassup?

780 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:33

>>771

What da . . . is this code . . . for what . . . somebody decode it pls. Is he asking for help?

781 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:33

goo hoooos??

Somebody decode it pleeeease!!!!

782 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:33

Going to her house?

783 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:34

>>771

Dpt of Information, Dpt of Information, code charts pls

784 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:34

Goo hoooos . . .

. . .

Going to her house!!!!!!!! Tada----------

785 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:34

>>782

You got ittttttttttttttt!!!!!!

you must be jokkkkkinnnnnnnnggggggggggggg!!!!!!!

798 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:35

I bet you that today, it’s just Hermes and her dog at home.

800 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:36

Captain! The enemies have launched a sneak attack! We were grossly under-prepared and can not return fire.

813 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:37

Just hung up.

So, it looks like I’m going over to her place.

I have to get ready fast . . .

I don’t have anything to wearrrrrrr!!

And . . . I’m taking the cups.

820 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:38

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmn

Tea for two with Hermes cups!!!!!!

Un-fucking-believable

828 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:39

Damn. Teacups!

Your taking the teacups to drink out of for real?!?!?!

You must be joking?!?!

Could this . . . be . . . . . .for real????

830 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:39

Could this be what she meant with the teacups?

No, no way could you two have guessed that something like this would

happen for god’s sake!

840 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:41

I forgot to mention this but we did talk about the cups yesterday. I told her that ‘I didn’t have an excuse to use them.’

We were talking about that just now and she said, ‘I’m not doing anything right now. Why don’t you come over. I’ll make some tea.’

Gotta jump in the shower . . . and oh, she told me that her parents are gone till the evening.

Seriously. I got nothing to wear.

847 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:42

Parents gone till evening . . . here(-_-)..it(_- )..cccc.(- ) ccc( )..(° )comes! (˚ ∀)comes! (˚ ∀˚)comes!!!!!!

848 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:42

>her parents are gone till the evening

853 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:43

her parents are gone till the evening

This is not a drill.

I repeat. This is not a drill.

854 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:43

860 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:44

And about letting her know how I feel about her . . . It’s beyond me today.

866 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:45

make sure you scrub your dick clean

867 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:45

>>860

It’s your decision.

I don’t understand stuff from fairyland.

875 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:46

>860

If you feel inside that you’re ready to tell her, that’s when you should tell her.

You know when the right time is for these kind of things.

Make sure you don’t let that right time pass by, though. And it’s best if you tell her when your heart says its ready.

From the outside looking in, it may look like you should be ready to tell her but I’m sure the vibe and mood are different for you guys on the inside.

So . . . pick a number between 1 and 18, will you?

908 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:51

Hold on a sec!

I just noticed how the thread suddenly got huge but this, dude?!?!?

An attack in real time?!?! I wanted to get in on it, dude!!!!

This is not the time to be fussing with my own website, dude!

I’m shocked and awed by the responses, dude!

And as I kept reading, I realised I am now hooked on this thread, dude!

To: Train Man

Listen, man.

Remember to take the Rubber Man with. No kidding.

920 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:52

Train: ‘Umm . . . I have something I want to talk to you about . . . ’

Hermes: ‘What is it?’

Train: ‘By the time I became aware of it, I had strong feelings for you. I’d really like us to go out seriously. That is, if you don’t mind.’ Go the standard way---o.

923 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:53

Just realised I’ve got goose bumps all over (´A`)

948 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 13:57

How come there are so many people here so early in the day?

955 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 13:58

All right. Jumped in and out of the shower at max speed.

Cleaned down there too.

So now, what do I wear?

962 Name: Anonymous post Date: 18/04/04 13:59

Train:	‘There’s something I need to talk to you about.’
Hermes:	Tilting her head a bit, ‘What is it?’
Train:	‘As I mentioned to you before, I haven’t had much experience with girls. That’s why I need to know how you feel about me, why you ask me out to dinner and places.’
Hermes:	‘. . . . . . . . .’
Train:	‘But there’s one thing I can say for sure.’
Hermes:	‘What can you say?’
Train:	‘I’m attracted to you. At first I thought I was attracted to you just because I wasn’t around other women. But that’s not what it is. The more time I spent with you, the more I talked to you, the more I came to know that I was attracted to you. I know that having somebody like me tell you that could be more of a pain than anything. But I wanted to make sure I told you this today. I really like you and would like to go out with you.’

966 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:00

>>962

Way long!

But maybe, just maybe . . . the Train could fit it all in . . .

969 Name: Anonymous Post Date 18/04/04 14:01

>>962 Add a backdrop of city lights and pack all you got into every single word. She’ll fall for it if you lay it on, thick and juicy.

970 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 14:01

Nope . . . can’t do it. Just gonna drink some plain old tea.

32 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 14:08

Don’t have the time to go out and buy new clothes

I’m spraying nice smelly stuff on yesterday’s clothes

Will iron like mad

61 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:12

They sit facing each other on a sofa.

Hermes:	‘Umm . . . . . . . ’
Train:	‘Yes?’
Hermes:	‘Can I sit next to you? You seem so far away.’
Train:	‘Oh, aah, yes. Of course. Please do.’

Hermes walks over to sit next to Train.

Train:	‘This is making me a bit self-conscious.’
Hermes:	‘Don’t you want me here?’
Train:	‘God, no. I’m happy you’re there.’

Hermes reaches for Train’s hand.

Hermes:	‘ It’s the first time I’ve seen a man’s hands so up close and personal.’
Train:	‘Wwwwell, my hand is not anything special. It’s not pretty, nor is it strong-looking.’
Hermes:	‘ No. These are the hands that protected me on that train. They are the strongest in the world for me, at least.’
Train:	‘Thanks but I really am a wimp . . . ’

Hermes sits in silence, peering into Train’s eyes intently.

With racing heart, Train meets Hermes’ eyes.

Hermes softly closes her eyes.

Train:	‘Wha . . . . . . ’
Hermes:	With eyes still closed, whispers ‘You don’t want to?’
Train:	‘Wha wha wha what, no . . . no, of course I do.’

Train puts his arms around Hermes and pulls her close.

Their lips meet.

66 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:13

>>61

Man oh mannnn . . . that’s some real shit . . .

I’m gonna remember that one. Off for my afternoon nap.

67 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:14

>>61

For real.

85 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 14:17

Off I go!

100 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:19

>>85

Sally forth! Procession at attennnnnntion! Salute! (`–´)>

(hhhhhhut!)

Knowing that the two were going to be all alone at Hermes’ house sets the Geeks’ imaginations on fire.

90 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:18

‘Mummy, where did you meet Daddy?’

‘Why the sudden interest?’

‘Tell me, tell me. Where did you meet?’

‘Oh honey, why are you suddenly so interested? Well . . . Mummy was on the train one evening when a man accosted me and Daddy came to rescue me. That was how we met.’

‘Really? Daddy looks so wimpy but I guess he was cool back then’

‘That’s why your father is my hero. Then and now.’

‘Was it love at first sight?’

‘Little Train, where did you learn that expression? But yes, yes, I would have to say that when I saw him, I felt like he was “the one’’’

‘Whoa. You guys are so lovey-dovey.’

‘Honey, please don’t make fun of us . . . ’

Ooooo . . . . . . I can’t take it anymore.

107 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:20

I can see Hermes flashing coy looks at Train at their wedding reception as she tells the story about how they met.

114 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:21

>>107

As us Geeks gather outside the banquet room preparing flower petal confetti.

154 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:32

I see a thank you card. It’s addressed: All Geeks

178 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 14:43

Hermes Lingo Log

‘Hee hee, I was actually just hiding that cat in the bag.’

‘I’ll just hold on tightly to you.’

‘Must be that you can’t hear when you’re told.’

‘But my friends say I look like a Moomin.’

‘Japanese cuisine suits your vibe.’

‘Well then, I guess I’ll get dressed up too.’

‘It’s nice because there aren’t many people like that.’

‘Do you wanna see my dog?’

‘Were you being a hero on the train again?’

‘This feels much better.’

‘Make sure to follow me.’

‘I’ve changed my mind. Will you walk me home?’

‘If we could commute like this together . . . it would be so great . . .’

That’s it for now.

247 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:20

Man, she said that her parents were out till evening but I have a hunch that the parents know that Train is coming over and will come home early.

Father:	‘Well, that nice boy did save our baby Hermes. We have to at least see his face.’
Mother:	‘You’re so silly! Why don’t you calm down a bit.’
Her:	‘Mum, Dad, please don’t say anything silly to my Train, ok?’
Father:	‘Oh, he’s your Train now is he? Honey, this is getting exciting!’
Mother:	‘My word! Little Her . . . my, my . . . . . .

I will continue imagining this family discussion as I hang my clothes out to dry. (´A`)

253 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:28

Mother:	‘I mean she won’t stop talking about the time you rescued her. Even now.’
Father:	‘So rare to come across your courage nowadays. Commendable. I thank you, truly and deeply.
Her:	‘Oh my god . . . please . . . you’re embarrassing me . . . ’

257 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:34

Father:	‘This is the first time our Hermes has brought a male friend to the house. Isn’t that right, mother?’
Mother:	‘Oh, yes, yes . . . our little Hermes keeps all her moves up her sleeve. Mr Train, I hope you stay good friends with her for a very long time.’
Her:	‘Oh my god, you too, Mum?’ (red in the face)

\(‘—‘)/

258 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:36

Train:

‘Yes . . . I mean no, I mean definitely. I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.’

261 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:40

Father:	(hearty laugh) ‘Just like Her said, you react kind of brusquely.’
Her:	‘Oh my god, father!!!??!?!’
Mother:	(covers mouth to laugh) ‘Don’t be so cheeky now. You’ll make Mr Train uncomfortable.’

264 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:43

Father:	‘Well then, us old folks will take our leave now and leave the young ’uns alone. (slaps own knee as he stands)’
Mother:	‘Yes, indeed, well, Mr Train, take care of little Hermes for us.’
Father:	‘All right then. We’ll see you later’ (hearty belly laugh)

The two are left alone. Two rabbits caught in headlights.

Train:	‘Ummm . . . aahh . . . ’
Her:	‘ . . . y . . . . . .yess? . . . ’
Train:	‘ . . . what are yyyyour . . . umm . . . hobbies?’

266 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:44

how many fucking times have you asked that question since they met, dude!

269 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:45

They’ve held hands but they’re so formal when they talk.

I wonder if they’ll be so formal when they have sex.

Train:	‘May I enter?’
Her:	‘Yes, please.’
Train:	‘Does this feel pleasant?’
Her:	‘Yes, it is pleasant.’ (covers mouth to laugh)
Train:	‘I am about to come.’
Her:	‘Yes. Please, do.’

Hey, it sounds like royal family sex.

281 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 16:59

I left you guys for an hour and THIS is what I return to?!?!?

Damn, how I love all of you.

282 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:00

Train:	‘Wow. This is the first time I’ve set foot in a girl’s room.’
Her:	‘Please don’t look around so intently.’ (averting eyes)
Train:	‘It’s such a calming room. And so sweet.’
Her:	‘Thank you. This is the first time I’ve let a man into my room.’

284 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:02

>>282

Train:	‘For real?’
Her:	Let’s out short laugh in disbelief. ‘Mr Train, are you doubting my words?’
Train:	‘No, no, no . . . that’s not what I meant’
Her:	‘I’m kidding. I’m just teasing . . . ’

285 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/4/04 17:04

Her:	‘Well, then . . . ’ (she crosses arms behind her) ‘what DID you mean?’ (bends forward, suggestively towards Train)

289 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:12

Train:	‘Miss Hermes, you’re just so sweet that I . . . (garble garble)’
Her:	‘What did you say? I couldn’t hear . . . ’
Train:	‘You’re so cute!’
Her:	‘Oh . . . !!!!’

296 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:28

So then, dinner time rolls around which makes me wonder what Train & Co. are planning.

• Dine together

• Cooking together

• Hungry after sex, already out at a restaurant together

• Parents return. Hermes and her mother are busy cooking. Train and Hermes’ father are sipping brandy, having a man-to-man talk.

• Already buddy-buddy with entire family

Which oh which oh which could it be?

301 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:35

>>296

• Being the innocent guy he is, Train goes over and has the tea, then returns home.

Uh-uh, no way. Not an option.

303 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 17:35

The Hermes family kitchen sounds like it could be huge.

Plenty of space for Train Man to fidget around.

Knowing that the two were going to be all alone at Hermes’ house light the Poisonoids’ imagination on fire.

360 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 19:34

Where the hell is Train . . . and how long is he gonna make us wait around? Could it be some monkey business taking up so much time?

362 Name: Anonymous Post Date; 18/04/04 19:45

The parents are coming home in the evening so how come Train isn’t home yettttttt!!!!!!

367 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:01

I is back.

Nothing much happened.

Just the way it goes.

Let me go read the backlog.

374 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:04

>>367

Don’t worry about the backlog. Not much there.

It’s just our imaginations exploding. (´·ω·`)

375 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:05

Nothing much happened???? Oh NO!!! It can’t be!!!!!!

383 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:08

There’s too much of a backlog so I’m gonna give my report first.

Just a sec.

396 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:21

So I quickly got ready and went out.

I remembered how to get to her place pretty easily. It was basically one straight road from the station.

I stood at her front gate. Being super nervous, it took me 2 minutes to muster the strength to ring the doorbell. I swallowed hard and pressed the bell.

‘Who is it?’

‘It’s me, Train.’

‘I’ll be right there.’

Soon after the large door beyond the gate opened.

She walked over and opened the gate.

‘Please, come in.’

I entered.

She wasn’t dressed in chillin-at-home clothes but she was dressed pretty casual.

But even in her hang-out wear, she was well stylish. Casual is goood, I thought.

‘I’m sorry I called you out at such short notice,’ she apologised

‘I wasn’t doing anything anyway’

It was clean and spacious inside. Really different from my house.

Smelled nice, too. She took me into a room and there sat the doggy, welcoming me.

The furry dude was wayway cute pantpant

413 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:36

So I stroked the doggy.

The room was spacious and spotless. There aren’t any rooms like that at home.

‘Please, sit down.’

I sat down on a large couch.

‘Let me make some tea. Which would you prefer? Coffee or tea?’

‘I’d prefer tea, please.’

I placed the teacups on the table.

‘You really haven’t touched them have you?’

‘We only drink green tea at home.’

‘Would you have preferred Japanese teacups?’

‘No, not at all. I’ll just put these ones on display.’

We joked for a bit.

‘Let me warm up the cups’

She took the cups into the kitchen.

After a while she returned with a tray filled with what looked like coffee stuff and placed it on the table. When she leaned forward to place the tray on the table, I got a peek at her cleavage. (;˚∀˚)=3 arruffruff

It was pink.

442 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:51

‘Do you have a preference?’

she asked as she picked up and showed me the different types of teas.

‘I’m only familiar with Afternoon Tea that I buy at the corner shop . . . ’

‘So then you’d probably want the OOOtea’

She mentioned some kind of tea and shook some out into the transparent teapot.

She brought out the hot water and poured it into the pot. I watched as the red tea leaves expanded. Boy, she knew what she was doing.

This making tea stuff.

‘It’s best to leave it steeping for a while’ she said, leaving the pot on the table.

She stood up to go to the kitchen and returned with some snacks.

‘My mum baked these . . . ’ she said, showing me 4 scones, ‘and here’s some biscuits, though they’re shop bought.’

‘Thank you so much.’ I bowed.

She poured the tea and there it was, right in front of me. The Hermes teacup.

FINALLY, THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE CUP HAD ARRIVED.

444 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:51

Darjeeling

Earl Grey

Orange Pekoe

450 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:53

There’s a lot of stuff Train’s gonna hafta learn.

I’m glad to be a Geek, I’m glad to be . . . glad to be . . .

452 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 20:54

>>450

Got to remember the details so I can report it all to you guys.

455 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:54

Home-baked scones? Don’t know if it’s Assam or Earl Grey but we’re talking loose tea leaves and not teabags. I bet you they have a deer head mounted on the wall above their fireplace.

461 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:55

And water pours out of a lion’s mouth into their bathtub I bet.

466 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:59

Dad enters puffing a cigar

467 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 20:59

Definitely no stuffed deer head on wall

490 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:06

>>452

Hey man, don’t worry about remembering the details for us.

Always remain focused on the person right in front of you.

498 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 21:13

I’m back. I’m e-mailing with her at the same time, so this could take a while . . .

518 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:24

Ask her what type of tea it was if you’re e-mailing.

525 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:28

>>518

Type of tea. Yep. Vital info.

559 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:39

>>452

Just remember whatever YOU find interesting.

I think trying to remember what she finds interesting and to be interested in that . . . that’s part of the whole being in love thing.

569 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 21:44

‘Do you take sugar?’

She brought out the sugar and milk containers but I said

‘No, this is fine.’

‘You know your teas very well.’

‘No, not at all.’

We bantered back and forth as I took the first sip.

I’ve only drunk tea from the corner shop so I had no idea it could taste so delicious. Not only that but the biscuits and scones went well with the tea. Then again, it was the fact we were drinking out of those teacups that made it so delicious.

‘Could I use one of your cups?’

‘Of course, of course. Please do.’

She reached for the teapot but I said, ‘Let me.’

‘Don’t worry. It’s not like we’re drinking alcohol Japanese-style.’

‘Please, allow me,’ I said, reaching for the teapot. Then I poured her a cup.

571 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:45

What a cosy afternoon tea set-up. For couples.

573 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:47

I shan’t partake of such silly afternoon tea matters I jest.

594 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:55

And why, pray tell, does Train not want to tell her how he feels?

598 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 21:56

He’s never professed his love to anyone before.

601 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 21:57

She took the cup in her hands and slowly sipped the tea

I watched her and thought how natural she seemed . . . sipping tea was second nature to her.

We talked about tea and baked goods for a bit. I told her that maybe I would start making tea myself at home. She recommended some tea companies and also some cakes . . . but I forgot already.

There were moments of silence but even that felt natural.

‘Do you always spend your days off like this?’ I asked.

‘God no, I’m usually just lazing around the house,’ she laughed.

‘Me too.’

Completely out of character for me--it continued on flowery and flowy . . .

615 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 22:00

>>518

She says it’s Benoist Tea

622 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 22:03

BENOIST TEA!

623 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 22:03

>>615

The stuff made for the British royal family!

624 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 22:04

Aha, Benoist tea . . .

689 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 22:34

‘I’ve never spent my day off like this. It’s nice, isn’t it . . . ’

‘ . . . (ha ha ha) . . . ’

We chat for a while and finish the baked goods and tea. I ended up drinking three cups.

The doggy was hanging around wanting to be noticed so I waved at him to come over, and sure enough he did.

‘He’s so well behaved.’

‘He just loves people.’

Indeed, he seemed to be enjoying my company.

I’ve never had any animal like me so much.

‘This dog is from that Disney film isn’t he?’

‘He’s a ’

‘He’s adorable.’

I felt myself falling for the dog the more I played with him.

‘He’s really into you, isn’t he?’

‘I think I really like him.’

So we kept on talking about dogs and pets and such.

Apologies for the boring report.

648 Name: Anonymous Post Date; 18/04/04 22:14

* Hey, how old is she?*

698 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 22:36

>>648

I haven’t asked yet. I’m sure she’s older though.

I know what she does for a living but I’ll keep that to myself.

Probably makes a lot of money.

742 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 22:52

Benoist Tea

Manufactured since the 18^th century by an upmarket English foods company steeped in tradition. (Officially launched in 1910). A Master French Chef nicknamed ‘Papa Benoist’ started the company. In fact, in England, the company only makes the tea available to a limited number of upmarket restaurants and to the British royal family. Japan is the only place in the world where it’s available retail. The tea company is famous for its tight quality control and being one of the very few tea companies which holds 3 royal warrants.

751 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 22:55

>>742

Good research. Well done.

747 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 22:53

‘Is this your room, Hermes?’

I reckoned it wasn’t, but I asked anyway.

‘(ha ha) No it isn’t. I can’t show you mine. It’s too messy,’ she replied all slippery smooth.

Oh and I guess I kind of influenced her and now she wants to buy a PC. And no, she does not own one if you can believe it. She emails on her phone.

I gave her some info about what she can do on a PC.

So we decided to shop for a computer, together. (`·ω·´)

Blah blah blah . . . time flew by.

‘Well . . . won’t your parents be back soon?’

‘You’re right’

‘I shouldn’t be here, right?’

‘It’s fine.’

‘ .....aahh.....speeeeechless’

I guess she’s already told her parents all about me . . .

About how we’ve been seeing each other on the weekends and stuff.

That they weren’t upset that she had me over, in the house . . .

But I told her that I was kind of anxious and that I’d better get going.

775 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 23:00

She said she’d walk me to the station but I told her to stay put because I was worried about her walking back home alone (`·ω·´) As for telling her how I feel about her, well . . . this is our fifth ‘date’ and I’m not sure about the timing. But apart from anything, I can’t work up the courage to tell her that I like her.

How do you all work up the courage?

791 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:03

Train Man: ‘When you come across a website you like, you click the favourites button like this . . . ’

Lady Hermes: ‘What is this 2-Channel thing . . . ?’

Train: ‘Oh, well, you shouldn’t go there . . . ’

Lady Hermes: ‘Moomin and the Pointy Hat . . . ? What is this?’

Yikes!

798 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:05

>Train Man

A while back, a girl came on to me kinda like this.

I knew instantly that she liked me but it was a first for me and I was afraid things would change if I said anything so I kept it to myself. As for her, she couldn’t take my lack of response and basically cut her feelings off from me. For women like Hermes, they can switch their feelings off pretty quickly.

Once they cut their feeling off, there’s no turning them back.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. All you need to do is tell her you like her.

811 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:10

I reckon that even after Train gets all twisted up inside and tells her he likes her, she’ll be like

‘Oh, thank you so much. I like you too. (smiley face)’

‘Aa, umm, ohh . . . . . . well . . . ’

There’s no doubt that two off-balance people make for a difficult couple.

817 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:12

>>775

We’re not talking about you being courageous or not!!

You like Queen Hermes don’t you?

Just tell her your feelings straight up. I’m being sincere.

Don’t even think about being turned down.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You can absolutely do it.

On your next date, go somewhere moody and romantic with a nice view . . .

and seduce her. She will react to you just the way you want her to.

And that’s when I will reply by lobbing the biggest ball of jealousy at you to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.

833 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:16

If you can’t see it turning into a romance, then think of it as an extended battle.

One of my strategies was to ‘move into her life on many fronts’.

Helping her buy a computer is a good thing for you to do.

She will refer to you for all things PC, at least.

Keep introducing things into her life that she depends on you for, little by little, one by one.

877 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 23:27

I was reading Mr Mole’s log.

To be quite honest, it was freaking me out.

878 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:27

>>866

Don’t use the Mole card . . .

Though you do have a point.

I mean originally, this thread was about us depressive shadowy types poking out to read your posts and then retreating into the dark . . .

879 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:28

I’m posting this just in case

‘Mr Mole, you are really a good person but I don’t have those types of feelings for you. Please don’t misinterpret my behaviour.’

881 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:28

>879

arghwaaaaarhhhhhhargghhhh

882 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:28

>>879

Don’t post just in case

883 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

>>879

Ffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

886 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

>>879

aaaaaarrrrrrrgHermessssssssssss

888 Name: Train Man ♦ SgHguKHEFY Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

>>879

889 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

It’s Train’s romance so it can only go the way Train feels.

It’s up to Train whether this will be an express or chug along like a local train.

I could understand if he was still starting off but Train is by now a big grown man . . . . . . Lucky him, he’s havin so much fun. Lucky him . . .

890 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

>>877

will leave selecting the options to you

love>when your heart is in your mouth, tell her so.

Help me with coming out with it

Is all you need to say for us to rush to your rescue!!!

891 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:29

Man, you guys really are some good people.

To get all serious about a stranger . . .

If I had people like you around me . . .

I think my life would have been a lot more fun . . .

914 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:34

I cried reading you people’s responses.

This social retard is blossoming into coupledom while . . .

It’s just so unfuckinfair?!?!

922 Name: Anonymous Post Date: 18/04/04 23:36

>>914

Life in coupledom isn’t always that great . . .

Well, umm . . . I’m just guessing . . . . . .

Train Man waivers between professing his love and feeling as if he has misinterpreted Hermes. The thread splits between two camps – one that urges him to profess his love and the other to go at his own pace. Can Train come out with it?