Jason wakes up full of energy and one thought on his mind; What games he is going to show Vivian. All he hopes is that she will be there and he can have a break today.
The past week was grueling. Even after he spent time with his family all he thought about was the system. He is so close. He can feel how the knowledge is compounding but he is tired. Jason just wants to rest and he really feels like he might be making a friend. In the moment he didn't think about the implications and his fear of rejection fell away from just wanting to show good games off. Now. Now he can feel it but over that is the energy and fear that his life really is changing.
Jason as he gets ready, as he walks his way to the library, and as he sits down waiting for Vivian; He thinks about that fear. The ache that eats in his stomach is that all he needed to do this whole time and all he ever needs to do is put in the work and things get better. That terrifying idea that if he keeps reading and working he will grow. If he puts himself out there he can make friends. That he could have been better this whole time and he waited for nothing…
He shakes the feelings away. He can't have those feelings now. He is dressed better than usual, his hair actually combed but not too obviously. His hair falls slightly differently to the left. It's still wavy but has an extra poof to it. His sister, Ana, dressed him. Although it is still mostly black, he doesn't look like a mess in her words.
Jason sits, tapping his foot impatiently, in one of the chairs at the front of the library. Jason already created a list of games he is going to have Vivian play today. He thought of the order too, just in case she didn't take to it quickly and what games would be easy and fun. He has a hoard of them.
He can bring Vivian over to his apartment and maybe just order some food. They can talk and chill and become friends.
'I would actually have a friend.'
[This is genuinely sad.]
Jason ignores the clear blue message that floats in front of his face and mentally swipes it away.
No condescending messages. No bad thoughts. Just good times.
Vivian is taking a while.
'I guess I can read for a couple hours.' Jason thinks to himself.
Time seems to pass quickly but slowly. Every page he reads seems to drag on until he checks his phone. 11 am. He knows he can't wait any longer. It's Saturday and waiting is just wasting the time he could have with his family. He casually finished his python programming book and slowly closes it.
Jason slowly stands and sighs.. He wishes she at least showed up to reject him. He packs up his bag and starts to head home.
"Jason!" Vivian rushes in and is instantly shushed by the librarian at the counter. A bead of sweat runs down her face. The doors swing close behind her and she quietly speeds up to Jason's side.
"I'm sorry it took so long. I had to get creative with trying to get here. My parents added some hurdles." Vivian is quiet trying hard not to piss off the librarian again, but Jason can hear the guilt in her voice.
"I haven't waited long so it's okay. Just hope you don't get in trouble." Jason lies trying to make Vivian not worry about it too much.
Vivian starts ranting about her family. She definitely will get in trouble if they find out she is going to Jason's apartment to play video games, but her 'maid' is covering for her. Jason doesn't know how to react to the idea she has a maid and somehow hasn't played video games. Somehow Vivian began telling him more about her life without him learning anything about her family. Vivian seemed to circle around it.
Jason and Vivian stand right at the entrance of his apartment. She doesn't make any comments or makes Jason feel lesser than her. She is just open. Jason respects her and he hasn't felt this way with someone in a long time. Before the bullying and before being an outcast. He wants to ask her more about her family and what's really going on but he hesitates.
The door swings open and his brother, Kyle, stands there his arms crossed and a toothy grin.
"Welcome!" says Kyle dramatically as he leads Jason and Vivian inside. Jason stares daggers at him hoping he won't say anything crazy. Kyle's smile widens. "Treat our humble place as if it's your home. Now I'll leave you two.. friends alone. I would celebrate but Ana said not to embarrass you too much."
Kyle heads off to his room. Ana peaking through the door before Jason shoos her away.
"Sorry about them. They are-"
"-Really sweet." Vivian cuts him off. She looks distant." You guys seem close."
"Yeah we are but we are all we have now. Ever since our parents died, it's all we could do. We all deal with it differently obviously." Jason continues.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drudge it up. It's just my parents they.. they aren't sweet or overbearing in a cute way like your family is. I shouldn't have compared." Vivian tries to take back everything she said back.
"Its fine." Jason sits down at the couch and starts to set up the TV and console. "You have your own problems. I see how they effect you and I've only known you for 5 days." Jason passes her a controller. "Now do you want to play."
Vivian smirks, her slightly sadness fading along with Jason's. "Thank you. Yeah that would be nice."
They both start going through Jason's video games library. Vivian struggled for a few hours before getting the hang of it. They both talk about school. Their dreams. Jason hears how she always wanted to be an artist but felt forced to be in STEM. Jason talks about just getting a stable job and provide for his siblings. They both laugh about school and relate with their struggles. In hours they feel closer than just library buddies.
Before long Kyle and Ana come out saying pizza will be here and they all sit together. Vivian feels something she hasn't felt ever with her family, at home. They all smile and laugh and Jason feels like he finally has a friend.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
It's too early for that knock. The laughter stops and Vivian can feel the change in the air. Something is wrong. Kyle's face is serious beyond belief for a split second before smiling again.
"It must be the pizza. Why don't you guys go hang out in Jason's room while I take care of it." Kyle nudges Jason to take them both away. He knows what this is.
Ana protests and Jason brings her along. Vivian is confused but Jason reassures her. 'This will be over quick.'
It will be all over quick. Jason follows behind Ana and Vivian into his room and quietly locks the door behind him.
Just a few minutes.