They all looked around inside. "Cowboys can't shoot slow or they'll end up below. When they need some help, they reach for the root beer shelf," a jingle was heard.
"What was that?" Rei asked.
"A song," Saeko replied.
"It's like those machines," Jasmine replied.
"It is," James smiled. "You have a good idea," he added.
"Machine?" Saya question. She thought for a second. "Those perk machines," she added.
"Correct," James replied. He looked around the door and saw a shotgun. James approached it and picked it up. It was a sleek, tactical shotgun with a matte black finish. The medium-length barrel ends with a distinctive muzzle brake, and a flashlight sight is mounted underneath. The receiver featured a rail system for mounting optics, and the textured pump action. It had an adjustable stock. It was equipped with iron sights.
"R-870 MCS shotgun," James announced, holding up the gun for everyone to see. Saeko looked at it. It looked strong like her Danna-sama.
"That is a nice gun," Shizuka commented, her eyes wide with interest.
"Do you want it?" James offered, extending the shotgun towards her.
Shizuka put her finger on her cheek, thinking. "Rika always said it would be good to learn," she replied.
"Take it," James encouraged. "You did drink the perks, so you'll have some idea of how to shoot," he added.
"We'll be with you, Shizuka," Rei added reassuringly. Saya and Jasmine nodded in agreement.
James handed Shizuka the shotgun. "This is a bit heavy," she remarked, adjusting her grip on the weapon.
"You'll get used to it," Saya replied with a supportive smile.
Shizuka aimed down the sights. She held the gun and moved it around. "This is fun," Shizuka commented.
"Careful," Saeko said.
James smiled. "Let's move up the stairs," James said, leading the way.
The group nodded and followed him, stepping cautiously through the old barn. Shizuka cradled the shotgun, feeling its weight and unfamiliarity. She thought it was a gift from James. She will treasure the gun.
They made their way to a staircase leading up to the loft. James went first, testing the steps to ensure they were stable. "Stay close and be careful," he advised, glancing back at the group.
One by one, they ascended the stairs, the old wood creaking under their weight. They looked to see a vintage, worn-out yellow and brown vending machine. It was covered in rust, and grime. At the top, an illuminated bottle cap logo displayed the name "Double Tap Root Beer." There was a red handprint. The machine's coin slot and dispenser mechanism were highlighted in lighter yellow, with the price marked at 10¢. The phrase "Ice Cold" was faintly visible in blue text at the top right corner.
"Finally," James said.
"Another perk machine," Jasmine said.
"So this is where you got the bottles from?" Saya asked.
"Yes," James said as he walked toward the vending machine. He pressed the button, and a bottle of root beer clattered down into the dispenser. Picking it up, he turned to face the girls, who were all watching him intently.
"Who's first?" he asked, holding the bottle up.
"I'll go first Danna-sama," Saeko volunteered. She stepped forward, taking the bottle from James. With a determined look, she twisted off the cap and took a swig. She maintained her composure despite it tasting awful. "Thank you Danna-sama,"she exclaimed as she finished the entire bottle.
"Did it taste good?" James asked. He thought they all tasted bad.
"Anything from you Danna-sama tastes good," Saeko said. Rei and Saya had a competitive look on their faces. Shizuka nodded in agreement.
Before anyone could say anything, Jasmine spoke up. "I will go next," she said. James pressed the button again and got another bottle. She remembered how awful they tasted; however she took a deep breath and drank. Her face scrunched up as she swallowed. "Oh my God, it's still terrible," she groaned. However she drank it all down. She was shaking her head.
Seeing Jasmine's reaction, he knew they tasted awful. "Thank you for drinking it," James said as he kissed her forehead. Jasmine smiled, her heart skipped a beat.
"Saeko, thank you as well," James added, kissing her forehead.
Saeko felt his lips pressing her forehead. It felt nice. "Thank you Danna-sama," Saeko replied.
James pulled her into a hug. "Be honest, okay?" James said. Saeko nodded. James let her go and pressed the button again.
Rei was next in line. She took the bottle which James handed her. She was not going to let Saeko get ahead of her here. After taking a sip, she coughed. "Why does it taste like that?" she asked however she drank the whole bottle down quickly. "That's disgusting," she said.
James chuckled. "That was cute," James remarked as he pulled Rei into a hug. He could feel her big breast on his chest. "You are cute," James added as he kissed her forehead. Rei's heart melted again. She leaned into his chest. She could hear his heartbeat and smiled. James let go and got another bottle.
Saya stepped forward reluctantly. "If everyone else is doing it," she muttered, taking the bottle from James. She also was not going to be left behind. She took a quick drink, and her reaction was immediate. "Gross!" she spat. However she drank it all down. "I am only doing it for the power," Saya said blushing.
"I don't need a kiss," Saya said.
"Okay," James said as he pulled her into a hug. He then kissed her on the forehead as well.
Saya pushed him back. "I said no but it was fine," Saya replied. They all smiled.
"My turn," Shizuka said, pouting. She was feeling left out from the kissing action. Shizuka stepped up, looking at the bottle with a mixture of curiosity. She looked like a cat. "Here goes nothing," she said, taking a sip. Her face twisted in revulsion. "Yuck! That's just nasty," she said. However she wanted the kiss. She drank it all down. "Finished," Shizuka said proudly. She put her thumbs up.
James smiled. "Should I give you a kiss?" James teased.
"You have to," Shizuka replied, wailing her hands.
James approached and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Her gigantic breasts pressed against his chest. "You are adorable," James said softly, his eyes locking onto hers with affection.
He gently tilted her chin upward, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin. Their faces were close, their breaths mingling. Slowly, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss. Her lips were soft and warm, and she responded to his kiss with equal tenderness. Their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate as they melted into each other. James could feel her heartbeat against his chest, quickening in sync with his own.
As they pulled away, their eyes remained locked. "I've wanted to do that for a while," James admitted with a smile.
She blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with emotion.
The other girls looked a bit jealous but smiled. They knew what the feeling was like.
Saya cleared her throat. "We should make a move," Saya said.
"Saya is right, it is dangerous here," Saeko added.
"Alright," James replied. He spotted a machine gun on the floor next to Double Tap. "Could someone hold onto the machine gun?" James asked.
"I will," Shizuka volunteered, putting her hand up. She picked up the long machine gun with a drum mag.
"That will be used to build the buildable here," James explained.
"Btw what was the power of this bottle?" Rei asked.
"I forgot to tell you," James replied. "It is meant to fire your bullets faster and sometimes fire two bullets for the price of one," James explained.
"Not very useful to Saeko," Saya replied. "But good for us," she added.
They all nodded. "I want to bring this machine back," James said.