Alice’s Appetite - The Queen’s Croquet Ground - 8/12 (Patreon)

Collab with DrBlackJack.

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Yellow was traditionally reserved as a color for the emperor.

The finest fabric made of the softest silk, etched with threads of gold and accented with crimson adorned Alice’s body as she made her way across the deck. The bright neon of the city lights danced upon her myriad curves as she waddled across, each flabby arm appearing to pour out of her sleeveless dress as she made her way to each table. Ryou could no longer tell if it was the waves or the weight of her body which made the boat rock ever so gently as they cruised down the Hong Kong harbor.

The two of them had hired an old fashioned Junk boat and in a matter of weeks, managed to convert it into a floating eatery which would serve as both restaurant and means of transportation. Alice had been quite adamant about ‘reserving her strength’ for the evening dinner rush which had meant that walking was kept to a minimum. Traditional taxis were starting to become a little more evasive once they had seen the size of their potential customers and Alice’s alternative suggestion of a rickshaw for that ‘authentic’ experience was something which Ryou’s back would never stand to handle.

“Another order for table five!”

“Just a minute! I’m just finishing up with these!”

Moon festival season was in full swing and along with it was a strong desire for sweets unlike any other. Lotus yolk mooncakes were a fine delicacy; an amalgamation of puffed pastry and golden egg centers encased in a sweet ocean of sugary paste. They complimented the spicy pork buns and tea service which Alice had been more than happy to provide, having learned much from a ‘simple is best’ approach. Their boat would gather customers along the harbor’s edge before taking them on an evening cruise where they could feast to their heart’s content.

Of course, when your heart was full and your belly was empty, the feasting seemed to take more precedence than the sights. Taste testing was always a part of any good chef’s cooking habits but as Alice’s weight continued to climb, she found herself outright preparing entire meals for herself alongside whatever she plated. With their ingredients running low, Ryou had no choice but to step in, shooing her out of the kitchen space and onto serving duties.

“Come on Alice! I said table five! Move your fat ass!”

“Okaaayyy, fine, I’m going! I’m going!”

Watching her waddle out through the red arches they had used to decorate the deck had left an impression on Ryou. Her body had grown so round and full, it was like watching a croquet ball gracefully glide about, stopped only by the gentle impact of her belly against a customer’s table. None of them seemed to mind of course as families marveled at the sheer girthiness of Alice’s body, making them feel somewhat less guilty about ordering another plate or two while also intrigued by what sort of cooking could have possibly made her so big in the first place.

“You know, more people have just been asking me to make recommendations rather than ordering anything on the menu,” Alice mused as she popped a couple of mooncakes into her mouth. It has been a most peculiar evening. Do you think it’s a Chinese custom?”

Ryou watched her as she waddled back into the kitchen to fetch the next order, her enormous hips swaying hypnotically from side to side. Her thighs and belly had grown so wide they had their own rhythm to them as she jiggled with every step.

He could feel his gaze drawn to her, wanting and watching for more as she emerged not a moment later. Her arms swayed softly about as she balanced steaming towers of delicious pork buns upon them as she made her return. Their eyes locked in earnest as she waited for his response.

“I wouldn’t have the slightest clue,” Ryou said as dismissively as he could muster.

“Meanie,” Alice replied as she poked her tongue out playfully in his direction.