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[ Levi, truly out here trying his best. His best is good enough for her, though. ]

Here I am, huh... [ She blushes pretty deeply at that, and she can't help it -- her head moves forward so she can lean it on his shoulder. She's still looking at him, though, tenderly. ] You're gonna make me start falling for you even more, you know, if you keep saying stuff like that.

[ That's probably the closest she's come to telling him that she likes him, so far!! Anyway, she's curious about that tidbit about his life, so: ]

What's been going on, though? Aside from what you've told me about, well, people being assholes.

[ Now's a better time than any to learn about her...friend? Boyfriend? Eh, a label can come later. She's just happy he's Levi, more than anything. ]

E-Eheheh... [Be still, his heart. He can say that all he wants, but it's not going to stop beating heavily anytime soon.] Guess I gotta find out what else works then, huh?

[Maybe he wants that!!

A-Anyway, he relishes in the feeling of her head against him for a moment until he has to talk about his IRL life. Ugh.]

It's...complicated, but the TL;DR version is I'm trying to make a change in career path and my oldest brother's vehemently against it. I can't really fight him on it, though, and it sucks.

I just feel trapped, but it's really no one else's fault but my own.

[ Oh, yikes. Family issues! Love that for them (no). She frowns when he gives the rundown of what's been going on, and she hums thoughtfully. People don't usually go to her for this sort of thing, so she'll have to practice her listening skills, like she did with Yael. ]

A change in career path? What are you thinking of going into?

[ This might not be a parental problem per se, but boy! Family members trying to control your life...yeah. It sucks. She understands. ]

Right now I'm in college for IT, and it'd be good money, I know that. But... [He sighs and shakes his head.] I just don't have the passion for school or working a 9-5 job.

Streaming, though... It's perfect for me, and I really think I have a shot of making it a full-time gig. I can do it all from my room since everything I need is right there, but I can still be social in a way that's actually comfortable for me. Talking to people online is just so much easier, so I actually don't mind putting myself out there to share my passions with like-minded viewers.

I don't know how familiar you are with streaming, but there's actually a big name streamer playing the beta right now. Uta's her name. I'm a huge, huge fan of hers and I really want to make a living out of streaming like she does one day.

[He bows his head slightly, focusing his increasingly gloomy mood on their intertwined hands.]

But my brother doesn't get it. He says it's too unreliable- that it's not a real job. Since I'm relying on him financially, I don't really have a choice but to keep working on this IT degree.

I know Uta. She's a good person to look up to.

[ One of the only other people she's actually fond of in this MMO. She's quiet throughout the rest of Levi's explanation, though – giving up your passion because of someone else... ]

I don't think doing something you don't like is worth it. I...gave up on what I wanted to do because of my mom, albeit for different reasons...but I don't really enjoy school, either.

I see where your brother is coming from, but that's the kind of thing that's going to just make you miserable. And you know, I'd much rather see you be happy. So if you've got no choice but to get through this degree for now, I can...

[ She turns red again. ]

I can have study dates with you or something. You know, just to make things a little more fun while you're stuck there, until you can do the streaming thing for sure.

[!!!]

Yeah! Isn't she amazing?

[This could launch into an Uta stanning session but fortunately for everyone involved it does not.

He watches Kara with growing surprise as she talks. It means a lot to be understood, and to even have a kindred spirit of sorts when it comes to career struggles. Plus it doesn't sound like Kara has the best relationship with her mom... Boy does he get that too.]

Yeah... Like, I get it, too. I know I'm not big enough now, but...one day...

[That's when Kara brings up the idea of study dates, and his face reddens to match hers.]

Y-You'd do that? Really? That... [His eyes brighten.] That'd be great! I'm always putting off my assignments, but with you motivating me, maybe I'd actually be able to get them done on time.

[Maybe she'd reward him for his efforts, too?

Ahem.]

A-And I'll do the same for you, of course! We can make college less suffering for each other.

Hehe, yeah! That'd be great! I think we'll have a ton of fun. I'll actually look forward to studying, for once!

[ And it's not like a reward is off the table. It's very much on it, actually. Heh. ]

And don't worry about making it big right now. I think you'll build up an audience in no time – there's gotta be other people besides me who see your charm, you know!

[ Even so, she's greedy...! ]

...I like the idea of some of it staying between us, though. I'll make sure I'll be your #1 Fan, for example! No one's gonna dethrone me!

[Levi can't help but let out a giddy little laugh over Kara's encouragement. It means so much to him. He hopes a little kiss against her forehead helps get his happiness across.]

Hopefully my streams are fun for you. I play a lot of RPGs so maybe you'll find some new faves from them.

No matter what, I'll always give it my 110% knowing you're there cheering me on!

[He'd honestly be very, very surprised if anyone managed to dethrone Kara as his #1 fan, especially when she's quickly becoming #1 in his heart.]

[ Oh... Her eyes widen a little at the kiss, but it only gets her to smile even more, and she lifts her head off of his shoulder to look at him. ]

Of course they'll be fun! I'm having this much fun with you already, so it won't be a problem.

[ She closes her eyes and gently brushes her lips over his, for good measure. ]

I've never really supported someone so much before, but – I like you a whole lot, Levi, so I'll do my best.

[Mmmnnn....the briefest hint of a kiss. Levi's tail flicks in excitement behind the two of them as his heart flutters in his chest. He's quickly getting distracted all over again.]

S-Same here. Liking you a whole lot, I mean. So...being worthy of your support makes me feel like I can handle anything.

[It gives him the courage to meet her with a full-fledged kiss, pressing his fingers into her waist to encourage her forward.]

[ She easily meets him halfway and kisses him back. The hand at her waist is nice, and she absolutely takes him up on his encouragement by scooting in closer. Kara's free hand moves up to rest on his shoulder, and her fingers curl into his jacket.

Kara lets it linger and gives him control of when he wants to stop. Still, he can probably feel her smiling against his lips. ]

[He can feel it, as well as the grip on his jacket. It emboldens him to go for a second kiss, and a third...all while enjoying the warmth of her against him.

He's a little breathless when he finally pulls back a bit. He can't believe he's about to ask this, but:]

Would you wanna...y'know. Lie down? [He swallows.] I w-wanna hold you.

[ Oh... So bold, Levi...! ]

Y-yeah, of course!

[ She'll quickly climb onto her bed and lay on her side. Once he's joined her, she gets in close, cheeks burning. ]

Like this?

[HE WANTS...CUDDLES...THAT'S ALL...

It's when Kara actually starts moving to lie down that the reality of what he's initiated sets in and he internally screams a little. He's not going to chicken out now, though. He doesn't want to leave her hanging now, and besides...he really does want this.

So he carefully crawls over to lie beside her.]

Yeah, like that.

[Fully situated, he closes the distance and gently wraps his arms around her. He doesn't pull her fully flush against his body, wanting to give her as much space as she needs, but they're still very close.

He's flushed and a little fearful, but undeniably content.]

D-Does this feel okay?

[He doesn't want her to be uncomfortable.]

[ Cute. She's a little embarrassed, but she reaches up to brush some of his bangs away from his eyes. Then, she lowers her hand so it curls up near his chest, also trying to be mindful of space he may need. ]

It does.

[ She chuckles softly. ]

I don't know if I'll be able to log out anytime soon. I'll be thinking about you all day tomorrow, you know.

[Gasp, forehead reveal... Levi's smile widens as she does it, watching her with adoring eyes all the while. This truly is like going down the perfect route of a dating sim, and yet it's real.]

Good thing you'll be able to text me until we meet back up in-game. I'll even wait to log in for the day until you're ready. I think...I'd probably just end up sitting around waiting for you anyway.

[The thought of wanting to spend more time IRL is almost unbelievable, and yet it's how he feels. He wants to be where Kara is.]

I feel you about not wanting to log out, though. I'm usually on late anyway, but even night owls like me gotta sleep sometime. [He lets out a small sigh.] Too bad sleeping in-game doesn't actually make us feel rested IRL.

Hey, you're allowed to have fun without me.

[ She's teasing, but the sentiment is still really sweet. ]

Heh, that'd be pretty nice. Then I wouldn't need to make the drive out just to, you know...spend the night or something.

[ Ah, she's become such a sap. Thanks, Levi!!! ]

I wouldn't mind doing that though, don't get me wrong. ... Meeting you for real would make it worth it.

I know, but it's just...gonna be hard to focus. I probably shouldn't run dailies while distracted.

[He takes an arrow to the knee because he's too busy thinking about his...friend...girlfriend...?

Okay that's it he's going red as a tomato, both from wondering what their relationship status is and from the idea of Kara actually coming to see him IRL. He thinks his heart is going to beat out of his chest any moment.]

I- I would like that a lot. It's just... [He screws his eyes shut in embarrassment. But he needs to be real.] I'm...I'm not this fit IRL. And I can't drive. And I don't have a lot of money. I don't wanna make you miserable, s-so...if those are dealbreakers, I'd get it.

...Why would they be?

[ Contrary to how she presents herself, when it really counts, Kara isn't concerned with that kind of stuff. Money can be something they can deal with later, driving isn't an issue, and body stuff hardly matters. ]

None of that bothers me. For what it's worth, I'm not rich, either. I'm a college kid just trying to make enough for rent and necessities, you know? So don't worry about any of those things.

[ ... ]

I...since we're being honest, I can tell you with honesty that the Kara you've been talking to is genuine – I'm not kidding about my feelings for you. But...I haven't been so honest with other people. I don't trust very easily, and I...

[ She frowns deeply, closes her eyes. ]

I've been used, and instead of being gracious about it, I've used people in return. I'm starting to regret all of it, but I was pretty much a mess before I joined this MMO. So...I'll say the same thing to you, then.

If any of that's a deal breaker, I get it. If you walked out right now, I'd be in no position to blame you.

Edited 2023-08-23 03:17 (UTC)

[Levi's eyes go wide when they flutter back open.]

I...! [He catches the volume in his voice and quashes it before he can continue. When he tries again, it's lower, but no less shocked.] I wasn't trying to imply anything, obviously... I just know that those qualities can make me a burden. I don't...wanna be a burden to you.

[At this point, the idea that he might have a an issue or two with self-esteem probably isn't very far-fetched.]

But I'm really glad they aren't gonna be an issue.

[It's then Kara's turn to say her piece, and Levi listens quietly all the while.

...

Once she's done, there's a moment of silence before she'll feel Levi's lips against her cheek.]

I'm not going anywhere.

Trusting people is hard, especially if you've been burned bad in the past. But I really do believe you when you say you've been real with me. I always want you to be real with me, through the good and the bad.

[ Although she hasn't gone into many specifics, she doesn't think she needs to, unless he asks. She was ironically truthful about being dishonest, told him about her behavior and how heavily it's weighing on her. She was expecting him to decide she wasn't for him, that he might have lost trust in her, or that she'd ruined her image that she's so used to carefully crafting.

Then, she feels his lips touch her cheek. He says he's not going anywhere. That's what gets her eyes to shoot open, and she looks at him, absolutely bewildered. ]

...You're...you're serious? You – you still want to...

[ She trails off, because she has to bite down on her lower lip. She has to keep herself from crying, because that'd be so embarrassing, wouldn't it?

It's no use, though. She feels tears stinging her eyes, and one of them falls from the corner of her eye and streaks down her cheek. ]

...Oh... [ She hurriedly wipes at her eyes and ducks her head. ] A-ah, sorry, I'm just... I'm so relieved.

You'll never be a burden, Levi. If anything I – I should be the one worried about being one for you.

Kara...

[Levi's alarmed by her reaction. He didn't mean to make her cry, and he doesn't know what to do to help. His brothers don't come to him for comfort, so he doesn't have much practice with it. All he can do is act and pray he's doing it right.

With a shift, he pulls her closer to him so she can hide her face away for as long as she needs to. One hand keeps steady against her back while the other shifts up to thread through her hair.]

Then you're not gonna be one either.

[He murmurs back to her.]

We've come this far, haven't we? We've both said it ourselves: that should've been like, turbo impossible mode for both of us. That's gotta mean something, right?

Y-yeah. You're...you're right. It means a lot, actually.

[ She sniffles in between words, and her face is definitely deeply buried in his shoulder. If she could put into words how grateful she is for Levi, she would, but it doesn't seem like anything she could say would ever be good enough. She knew she'd been craving this, affection and genuine love and care, but she didn't think it'd be this good.

This is more than just a craving, though. This is a miracle, Kara thinks. A lot of things needed to happen for them to get to this point in the time that they did, and she's so, so happy they did. Levi is truly the best thing that's ever happened to her.

After a moment, Kara lifts her head and reaches for the hand on her back. Gently, she guides it to her lips, where she presses a soft kiss to his knuckles. She pulls back slightly, closes her eyes again but keeps his hand in both of hers, and holds it with care. ]

I don't even know where to begin with how much I like you, Levi. I'm going to do my best to do this right.

[ "This" meaning...whatever this is. Whatever's happening between them, because it's good. ]

[Levi breathes a gentle sigh of relief as he continues to stroke her hair. His words seem to have come across how he hoped they would.

Though surprised, he allows her to move his hand...and his lip quivers ever so slightly over how tenderly she kisses it- how she holds it as though it were a treasure. It really does feel like a miracle. He can't believe he'd ever meet someone who would care for him this much outside of his family. He cares about this same person in equal measure, and a desire to protect the happiness she thought she'd never have again takes root within his heart.

He curls his fingers against Kara's hand.]

What you're doing says more than enough to me. Words are hard, anyway. Signed, the shut-in with crippling social anxiety.

[Kara really broke through those barriers, though. Almost expertly, Levi would argue.

That's just one of many things he loves about her already.]

No. Signed...the best person I know.

[ She means that, with all her heart. She leans forward and places her forehead on his shoulder. She breathes in quietly, gently brushes her thumbs over the back of his hand, and squeezes it. ]

I'm really happy, you know.

[ She looks up at him and presses her lips to his cheek, like he'd done for her earlier. ]

Being with you -- um...here, with you, I mean... It means more to me than I can ever say.

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