Chapter 2

The guy in front of me nods eagerly, still blushing slightly, so I just power ahead with my first question. “Ok, so you’re Rebecca. When Rebecca said she loved me, were you serious? As in, do you, the guy in front of me, love me?”

The guy is silent for a moment, his blush getting considerably darker whilst he nods. I’m flabbergasted. This guy loves me? No way. Hot, buff dudes like this guy never like me. This has got to be a joke.

Clearing my throat, I pull my hand back from his grip, trying to ignore the guilt I feel when I see how sad he looks at my action. “You’re gay then?” I ask, looking over at him, trying to keep my gaze casual rather than interrogative.

As I had suspected, the guy shakes his head. Of course someone like him isn’t actually gay, he’s just playing with you right now. But then my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out to see another message from Rebecca.

Rebecca🌸: I do like men :)

I stare at the message, before glancing back over at the guy. “Why didn’t you just say that? Are you super shy or something?” He stares at me for a moment, before typing something on his phone.

Rebecca🌸: I’m mute.

Well shit. Now I feel like such a fucking asshole. “O-oh,” I manage to get out, staring straight in front of me. “Sorry.” I can feel his gaze on me, and I dare sneak a look at him. To my surprise, he smiles.

Rebecca🌸: What’s your name?

I grimace, playing with the hem of my flannel. “Griffin. I used my real name in the game. I’m guessing your name isn’t actually Rebecca though?”

He smiles, and then laughs. It’s a happy sound, and really adorable. He shakes his head, smiling at me through his surprisingly long lashes before typing something on his phone.

Rebecca🌸: Close, my name is Beck =]

I snort slightly, peering back over at him. “Seriously? That’s pretty funny. I totally thought it was going to be something completely different, but I guess not.” He smiles at me again, that little blush returning. I begin taking in his clothes properly for the first time, and realise that he has a little pink bracelet on.

Very surprising.

The entire rest of his outfit is completely black, except for that one bracelet. It’s a little beaded thing, and something my nieces probably own too. Somehow though, Beck wearing it isn’t weird, and instead it’s just…cute.

“So, I can’t really blame you for not looking like you do in the game, I mean I’m clearly not my avatar either. I’m just slightly confused. What do you…what do you want?” I ask, glancing up at Beck and meeting his gaze.

Rebecca🌸: I want to take you on a date, if that’s something you’d like too

I have to turn away from him, because oh my god that was adorable never have I ever been asked on a date by a buff guy wearing a pink bracelet before but there’s no way I’m turning him down. Regaining control of my face, I turn back to look at him.

“Alright. I won’t be free next week because I have this deadline on an assignment, but maybe the week after?” I suggest, suddenly wishing I’d procrastinated on it for less long so I could go on a date with Beck sooner.

He nods eagerly, my phone pinging again.

Rebecca🌸: I can’t wait :) good luck with your assignment by the way

Ugh goddammit, my face is totally giving away how happy I am right now, isn’t it?! Clearing my throat again, I try to wish my blush away. I’m not entirely sure it works.

“Will you be online at the normal time?”

Rebecca🌸: I will - will you?

I smile to myself, trying to hide my grin behind my hand. “Uh huh, I will. So uh. See you later, I guess,” I say, but make no move to get up. Beck beams at me, giving me a little wave. I smile awkwardly, still not moving.

We just stare at each other for a moment, neither of us making a move to go anywhere, before Beck clears his throat awkwardly, and stands up. I jump from my seat, pretending like we weren’t gazing into each other’s eyes for an eternity just now.

Beck waves at me, giving me a radiant smile and a small blush as he walks off. A moment later, my phone pings.

Rebecca🌸: Have a good rest of your day, and don’t get lost again :)

I scowl; it’s not my fault I have a terrible sense of direction!!!! Still, I literally can’t be angry at him, he’s adorable.

Griffin🦅: oi shut up

Griffin🦅: have a good day :)

Rolling my eyes at myself, I press a hand over my smile as I head back to my apartment. It’ll be exciting in the game this evening, knowing who Rebecca actually is. Knowing that Rebecca is still a sweet person, just not quite the person I thought she was.

Rebecca isn’t the fragile elf woman; she’s a tall buff dude.

They both blush all the time though, so I guess some things stay the same.

I suddenly stop walking in the middle of the street, shoving my face into a wall to hide from the world. Get it together Fin, you can’t be crushing on this guy instantly!!!! Just because we’re going on a date, and he told me he loves me, doesn’t mean anything.

After all, Beck could just be toying with me. Everything he told me could be a lie. Well, except for the being mute thing. Only literally scum would lie about that, and Beck seriously doesn’t strike me as someone who would lie about something as serious as that.

Still, that was the cherry on the cake for surprising things.

My favourite part of today? Probably hearing Beck laugh. Like seriously, he does proper belly laughs.

What a cutie.