I slipped away into my room. Taking off my hoodie and throwing it to the side. As a deep sigh escaped my lips, I flopped onto my bed wanting to let sleep take me away to dreamland. 

 My phone chimed in my back pocket. I slowly reached for it and glanced at the screen. 

-10:48 pm- 

Marco: Hope you got home safe. 

Have a good night! 

 A smile formed on my face against all odds. “What a dork.” I chuckle

River: You too. Sweet dreams 

 I hooked my phone to its charger before I got under my covers. I couldn’t wait to see him in two days. 

 I pulled up to the game center with my gear. I had to set up by myself today. Rose had a date with Emily and Henry wanted to pick up snacks today. I grabbed my bag and the basket that was filled with extra dice, pencils, erasers, and figures. 

 Holding the basket with one arm as I opened the door to the game center, one of the staff spoke. “Welcome! Have a good game!” I smiled and nodded their way.

 I headed to the table we normally sat at for the games. I put the basket down and let my bag fall off my shoulder into the chair I sit at when I am DMing for the group. 

I carefully arranged the miniatures on the battle map, ensuring each one was positioned just right for the upcoming encounters. As I set up the dungeon tiles to create the environment for the next adventure, excitement bubbled within me, eager to see how the story would unfold with the group.

 A thumb sound came from behind me. “Shit,” Someone said quietly. I turned to look behind me to see that it was Marco standing near one of the bookshelves. He was picking up some books he knocked off the shelf

I let out a chuckle as I walked to him. “Need help, stranger” I teased. His face got red from embarrassment. He opened his mouth to say something but I already was picking up the books.

 He looks away from me. “You know it’s fine,” I say, trying to reassure him that an accident is not a big deal. “You’re so kind.” He quietly mumbled like he didn’t want me to hear. “Thanks.” I smile.

 He puts the last book onto himself with a sigh. I stood up but he stayed sitting on the ground. I smirked as I patted his head which made him look at me with wide eyes. “Come on. I have some stuff I want to talk about before the session.” 

 He nodded a little as he grabbed the shelf to help himself up. We headed to the table and we sat by each other. A moment of silence passed over us as I took a breath. “So Vix.” I started. Marco's eyes met mine when I said their name. Marco's expression shifted, a mix of curiosity and intrigue evident in his eyes. "Yeah?" he prompted, clearly interested in the topic of Vix and Aric's love story.

I leaned in a bit closer, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I've been thinking about how we can weave Vix's character arc into Aric's storyline seamlessly," I began, my excitement growing as I delved into the details of my plan. "What if Vix is a mysterious traveler who arrives in Aric's hometown, seeking refuge from a past filled with heartache and loss?"

Marco's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on me as I continued to outline the plot. "As Vix and Aric's paths cross, they're initially wary of each other, but as they embark on a quest together, they slowly begin to unravel each other's secrets," I explained.

"It's during their journey that they discover they share a deep connection, one that transcends societal norms and expectations," my voice filled with enthusiasm. "Their bond 

grows stronger with each passing adventure, culminating in a heartfelt confession of love beneath the moonlit sky."

Marco nodded along. "I love it," a smile spread across his face. "It adds depth and emotion to both characters' arcs.” 

I grinned, thrilled by Marco's enthusiasm. "Exactly! And imagine the role-playing opportunities it'll present for both of us," I said, already envisioning the dramatic scenes we could act out during our next gaming session. "I think Vix and Aric's love story will be the highlight of our campaign."

Marco opened his mouth to speak but a bag landed between us. “So we are doing love stories now?” Henry raised an eyebrow. Marco’s face looked like he just got caught doing something wrong. 

 Henry wrapped one of his arms around his shoulder. “Well damn if I knew that I would have pitched my love story idea… too bad I am too focused on my craft” He faked sadness.

 Marco was staring at Henry confused. “Oh darling,” Henry started using his character's voice. “You will kiss me, won’t you?” He turned my head to him. I try to hold back a laugh.

 Henry was a real-life bard except for the fact the fake charm he didn’t feel or want a romantic or sexual relationship. I remember the conversation we had about a year ago. 

 I was ranting about how cool the lgbtq center was and how I wanted him to come with me as a straight ally. He just laughed and said, “Well I don’t know if being Aro/Ace is very straight if no one catches your attention.” 

 I never heard that term before he told me. After a while of explaining it to me and how he felt when it came to dating and sex. I came to realize I was Asexual myself but I was queer-romantic. 

 I never realized that sex and romance were different things until that night. By how the media makes it look you can’t have one without the other. 

 I flinched when Henry started trying to fake kiss me. “Nooooooooooooo” I said. Fake trying to get away from him. I was laughing at this point. 

 My eyes shifted over to Marco whose eyes were narrowed a bit. He was clenching his hands a little. Henry follows my eyes before he smirks. “Don’t worry darling you will get a kiss next.” 

 Marco immediately stood up and he averted his eyes. “I’m going to the bathroom.” He mumbled. He rushed away from us. Henry raises an eyebrow. “Is he homophobic?” He asked. 

 I shake my head. “No,” I answer without having to think much about it. Henry looks at me. “You sure?” He sat at his spot on the table. I nod my head. “100%. His romantic story has a nonbinary character.” I say.

 Henry nods slowly. I grab one of the bags of sour cream and onion potato chips. Henry's face was studying me before he smirked. “What?” I said. 

 He shrugs. “Nothing.” He looked over his shoulder to the bathrooms. “Just realized what his problem is.” he was smiling a little. I raised an eyebrow confused. “What?” I have a question.