The Game, and Unnecessary Thoughts

"It's League of Legends. It's an online multiplayer battle arena type of game. Typically it's a 5 versus 5 game where you earn credits by killing monster, enemy players, and destroying buildings. With those you can buy items corresponding to your character, or the situation."

"The same as DotA?" Nicole asked while starting intently at the monitor of my computer.

"You know DotA?" Instead of answering her, I asked her in return. I'm really surprised that she knew of DotA. Not many girls are fond of computer games in our town after all, and Nicole seems much more domesticated to know of such things.

"I do. My father plays Frozen Throne on weekends because it's his day off. Since I don't have much to do at home, I watched as my dad plays the game. We get to play together sometimes too."

"How good are you then?"

"Much better than my father. Since the day that I beat him, he said that I'm not allowed to play anymore, while crying." Nicole answered, grinning.

'Her father's actually childish, and she's a bit naughty. So she also has this side.' I thought. When I looked back at her, I saw her eyes staring intently at the monitor, I've thought of an idea.

"Do you want to play then?"

Hearing my question, Nicole shifted her head towards me, with the same expression she had when I told her that she could enter my room.

'She does.' I thought.

"I can?" Nicole asked me, a dangerous glint flashed momentarily in her eyes.

"Of course. Let me start a game for you." I first turned my back against her and click the button for the character information, then turned around to face her again. "But before that let's choose a character for you to play before we begin. That way it will be easy to coach you during the game. This option her can display which roles a character is most suitable of." I stood up and said "Let's swap seats, it's better for you to sit her to see it better, it's also much more comfortable." The chair is leather, after all.

Nicole immediately scrolled through the character information, with a serious look on her face. Seeing the expression on her face motivates me to let her enjoy life to its fullest. Having to know two different sides of Nicole this time displays how she has not given up hope yet, even with her condition. It made me think if she did not have the Beatlock disease, what would her life be like? Would she be the same person? Would she have those sparkling eyes when she wants something? Would she be interested in gaming? Would she sit here, this close to me? Would we be this close with each other? Would she and i… even meet?

"Keith! I'll pick this Ashe girl. Her skill is like the combination of Drow Ranger and Mirana." Nicole's voice awakened me from my deep thoughts, which I secretly thanked her since I don't like what I was thinking at the moment. I smiled as I once again faced her.

"Ashe? Good choice. She's one of the basic characters of the game, but don't underestimate her though. With proper strategy, Ashe could be deadly."

"Is that so? I chose her since she's looks like Drow Ranger."

"Well, except from Mirana's arrow as her ultimate, she's pretty much the same as Drow without a Silence skill."

"Okay! Hurry up and get it started then!" Nicole enthusiastically tugged my shirt as she keeps on repeatedly saying the same words.

"I get it, I get it. You sure are bossy, aren't you?" I said as I took the mouse to operate the game.

"No, I'm just excited."

"Whatever."

As soon as the game brought me to the character selection, I immediately picked Ashe before she got chosen by someone else. After all, this game's character selection is on a first-come-first-serve basis. After the character selection, it brought us to the loading screen because the game adjusts the settings to let our character appear on the game. During the loading screen I returned the mouse to Nicole.

As the game starts, I thought Nicole all of the necessary information needed to play the game. I explained to her which are keys are used and their purposes, items and corresponding recipes to build higher-tiered items. I also explained to which what skills the other characters on game does because she still have not much idea of what's going on.

The game was calmer in the start, but as the games goes on, it became chaotic because of the clashing of each side. At first, Nicole was playing clumsily. She did not get to kill much monster, and even died a few times. But as the game goes on, she just keeps on being better and better. As a gamer, I noticed that Nicole actually has a good foundation as a gamer herself. She's already killing all the monster on the lane when she got used the game. She even killed the player from the other team a couple of times already. As the games is nearing its end, the team of Nicole has the advantage and it's getting bigger and bigger since Nicole's character becomes pretty strong, to the point she can kill the enemy player without a problem if there is only one. In the end, Nicole's team won.

As the "Victory" confirmation appeared on the screen, Nicole started to stretch. Her stretching caused my eyes to glance on her chest, but immediately withdraw from the fear of being smacked again. I still haven't forgotten her slap on my face after all.

"Wooh! That was pretty intense! Haven't felt that ever since my father banned me from playing." Nicole said, with a grin plastered on her face.

'She really enjoyed that a lot, hasn't she.' I thought looking at her silly face.

"It's good that you enjoyed it. How's the game?"

"Pretty good. Playing it feels like playing DotA, just with additional gimmicks."

As I listened to Nicole explaining her experience with the game, my door opened. Apparently it was my mom.

"How are you, Nicole? Is my son being a good host?" My mom said, again being nosy.

"Yes, auntie. She even let me play on his computer."

"Wonderful. Actually, I came here to ask you something. What's your plan for lunch? Are you going home?"

"That's my plan auntie."

"Why don't you stay her for lunch then? Only Keith and I are on the house today."

"Is that okay?" Nicole asked back with her 'I want to' expression, again.

"Of course it's alright. The food taste better if eaten with someone else."

"Well, if you insist. I'll gladly accept your invitation." Nicole answered, her eyes still sparkling.

"Are you sure? Won't your parents be worried about you?" I asked Nicole. I'm worried that police will break in our house with an arrest warrant for kidnapping.

"It's okay. I'll just call to let them know." Nicole said as she open took her phone from her bag.

"I'll start making lunch then. You two, don't go overboard. And use protection." Mom said as she walks out the room.

"You haven't let go of that yet?!" I yelled, as I was embarrassed. Nicole might notice something weird.

"Yes, auntie I'll be sure to prepare accordingly." Nicole answered with a smile.

"Hohoho." My mom, grinning at me.

"What are you talking about?!" I yelled again, this time at Nicole.

"Hmm? Isn't she talking about the game?" Nicole answered, tilting her head to her side, looking confused at me.

"My, my. I wonder what you are thinking about, big guy." My mom said with knowing smile on her face. Damn it!

"You're annoying, mom! Get out! Go prepare the lunch!" I stand and pushed my mom out of the room. As soon as she is completely out of the room, I smacked the door hard, closing it. Then I turned to Nicole, still confused.

'Damn it. So annoying.' I thought so, but I'm pretty sure I'm smiling.