"Wake up, Partner. We're here."

Shikikan was shaken awake. He realised he was draped over the back seat of a bike.

And there's only one person who calls me that with a bike.

"Thanks Sugar."

He opened his eyes and lifted his head. Sure enough, he saw Sugar's face. She pulled her spare helmet off his head, and he looked around. They were next to the casino entrance.

"It's nice to see you. You always seem to be busy with those reports. I can smell the coffee and sugar on your breath. How much did you have?"

"Not enough to stay awake, clearly."

"Mmmhmm. I like that smell. It suits you."

She leaned in closer for a kiss.

"Hello, Manager."

Sugar jerked back into her seat. Volume shot a venomous glare at her.

"Well, send me a message when you need a pick-up, Partner."

"Goodbye, Sugar." spat Volume. She grabbed Shikikan's hand and pulled him off the bike.

"Owowow, bye Sugar!"

Volume dragged him through the door and dropped him on the floor.

"Ignoring what just happened, where the fuck have you been?"

"You saw where I was."

She sighed.

"Manager, I respect that you do that for all of us. But most of us feel like you seem to perpetually be stuck in the Command Center. You barely ever come out and say hi anymore. We know it takes a lot, but it's starting to get ridiculous. Either let someone help you, or ask Anderson to make it a weekly report."

"I will. But first, let's fix this."

"Okay, but I'm holding you to that."

With that, he walked into the stage area. Rogue was already there, sitting on one of the audience seats. She noticed him opening the door and stood up.

"Ah Highroller. We were wondering where you were. I've explained to Volume that a client has booked this stage for the foreseeable future. They're running a gambling event, which is why I'm involved, and they wanted the twins as well, which is why the stage is taken."

"Okay, but why is it taken as priority over Volume and Noise's performance?"

"That's just how it works. It's a larger event."

"We booked it first!"

At that moment, Noise entered the room.

"What did I miss?"

"Apparently, we don't get our performance because it's not big enough for her."

"I know something else that was too big for her."

Everyone shot Shikikan with a death stare.

"I'm going to leave now."

They all nodded.