Civilization

"So… How was last night? And were you once again the person that progressed the main storyline?" - Rebecca

"Uhh… Last night was alright. There was a lot that happened, and I'm still somewhat wrapping my head around it. As for the second part of your question, yeah… Hahaha." - Ian

Sitting at the dinning table having a slice of toast with cheese, avocado and tomato, Rebecca asks me about last night. Before this, I had quickly said good morning before going to the convenience store to get some bread, whilst Rebecca had her morning shower. Once I was home, I went to take a shower as well as Rebecca made breakfast. After serving me breakfast, she sits on the opposite with her cheese toastie, asking about last night.

"Did something happen last night?" - Rebecca

"I just got reconfirmation on how weak we are last night, and how strong the NPCs are in the game that aren't related to players. It's like we are just spectators in their world…" - Ian

"Isn't that fine, though? I think we are spectators in their world. We came into their world as players, but to them there was already existing complications and situation happening already. Our introduction can be seen as both a blessing and a curse to them, depending on our actions. At least for me, I was kind of a curse to the NPCs that followed me, after all, they have all died now…" - Rebecca

"I get what you are talking about, but I can't help but feel like I need to become stronger as soon as possible before something bad happens. It's because of the things that have happened after the game, and whether those things are real or just my brain playing tricks on me." - Ian

"Well, at least you don't have spider legs growing out of your back." - Rebecca

With a soft giggle, Rebecca leans in and kisses my cheek. Her face slightly glows red from her actions. Breaking our moment, both of our phones vibrate on the table and a message from Sam was sent to the group chat.

"Hey everyone! I have arranged for a small meeting with everyone to discuss some game information as well as some real life information. I have already arranged flights and a driver for everyone already, so be ready with 1 night's worth of clothes as well as your VR helmet. The driver will be at your door at 1000 whilst the flight will be at 1200, please be ready as there is a big surprise for everyone!" - Sam

"OOOOHHHHH!!!!! DADDY SAM!!!!!!!" - Kingston

"LOL! Kingston, I didn't know you were like this??!!" - Nina

"All hail, DADDY SAM!" - Evan



"Thanks, Sam, even though we don't know what it is about." - Sabrina

"Only 3 hours to get ready??? Sam, you should have told us earlier!!!!" - Rebecca

"Any teasers for what it is we are going to experience?" - Ian
"NOTHING! No Spoilers until you get here." - Sam

"Alright, alright. Well since we are getting on a plane, I'll see you soon, Ian, Rebecca, and Sylvia. I'm going to get ready!" - Evan

"Damn, I'm going to be on the same flight as Evan…" - Sabrina

"We will see you soon! From both Ian and me." - Rebecca

"I'll see you at the destination! I think I live in a different state than you guys, hahaha!" - Nina

"DADDY SAM! I WILL SEE YOU SOON!" - Kingston

"I'll see everyone soon! I need to get ready as well" - Sam

Putting our phones down and looking up, Rebecca meets my gaze with sparkling eyes.

"Come, babe, let's get ready! What should I wear? What do I need to bring? Oh, I'm meeting Nina for the first time as well. I need to look good, first impressions are vital. Okay babe, you pack the suitcase with the essentials while I find something to wear, and then I'll help you out, okay?" - Rebecca

Confused, I nod at the excited Rebecca, stiffly moving around to find a suitcase. Rebecca opens the wardrobe, sifting through shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, and dresses, piling them on the bed in a messy pile. I was able to find a small suitcase hidden under a heap of boxes. It was covered in a layer of dust and after cleaning it with some tissues and water, a shiny rectangular suitcase was revealed.

"Baby, is this suitcase big enough?" - Ian

I walk into my room, looking at the suitcase as I hold it by the handle. Glancing up, I see Rebecca pondering intensely as two sets of clothes were separated from the messy pile. The first set was a simple white blouse with frills around the wrists, paired with a short black mini skirt. Accompanying it is a lavender knitted sweater with a small silver moon necklace and two dangling rose gold 5-point star earrings. The second set was a black woolen turtleneck with light blue ripped jeans and a brown leather belt with a golden buckle. Instead of the silver moon necklace and star earrings, there was a golden sun necklace with a ruby in the center and two rose gold heart earrings.

"Baby…?" - Ian

"Which should I choose? Should I go with a city girl vibe or a more mature vibe? I don't know… Which do you think looks better? White blouse plus sweater and skirt, or black turtleneck and jeans. " - Rebecca

"I think both look great. " - Ian

"No, that's like the worst answer since it doesn't help." - Rebecca

"Umm, okay, well I think the first set makes you look very welcoming and that might make Nina more comfortable when talking to you. The second looks really nice on you as well, but Nina might feel like you are hard to approach, since it does make you look more mature. I think. I'm not too sure about what I'm saying as well" - Ian

"Hmm… I think I'll go with the first set then. BUT! I'll take the second set and put it into the suitcase as a just in case. Now, then, what are you going to wear? I'm glad we did some shopping not too long ago, but still I feel like your wardrobe is so minimal. Hmm… If I'm wearing the white blouse and lavender sweater, then, maybe you should wear this white button up and your black jeans." - Rebecca

"What about a jacket? Or a jumper, at least? It might be cold." - Ian

"Hmm, take your coat instead. It's got a nice deep navy blue color, which I like, hehe." - Rebecca

"Alright babe, I'll wear that to make you happy. I'll get our normal pajamas for the night as well as get a separate bag for the VR helmets, okay?" - Ian

"Yep. I'm going to change now. I also need to do my makeup. There isn't enough time! Why didn't Sam tell us earlier? " - Rebecca

"He probably needed to complete a few details before he could tell us. What do you think it is anyway? I know he wants to discuss the new patch and what led up to it, but what do you think the real life talk is about?" - Ian

"Hmm, I'm not too sure? There is no way he is thinking about getting a gaming house for everyone to live in, right?" - Rebecca

"Now that you mention it, he did talk about doing that for us, since we all live in different parts of New Oceania. We were lucky to be in the same vicinity as Sabrina and Evan, but Nina, Kingston, and Sam all live far away from us and discussing on text might not yield the same result as talking in person." - Ian

"We just need to find out. Okay baby, hurry up and get changed as well as pack everything. No more distracting me as I do my makeup. Go go." - Rebecca

"Alright, alright. I'll get everything done, so make sure you finish before 1000." - Ian

"I will. Don't worry. Make sure you bring my shampoo and conditioner as well, okay?" - Rebecca

"Yea, I will." - Ian

Quickly, I get to work, changing out of my casual clothes and into the clothes that Rebecca and picked out for me. My feet got to work once I got changed, getting a duffle bag for our electronics. I placed the VR helmets inside as well as all the necessary wires and cables as well as phone chargers and battery packs, placing a couple shirts on the outside to give the helmets a soft cushion.

As for the suitcase, I got out pajamas as well as toiletry, making sure to bring the shampoo and conditioner that Rebecca wanted. I also got toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary pads, tissues, body wash and moisturizer, placing them in a plastic bag and slipping them inside the suitcase. Placing a second set of clothes for both Rebecca and me at the end to finish up. Zipping the suitcase took a bit of effort since I packed it full, but with a little push I got it closed and 1000 was nearing.

I head back into my room to see Rebecca, packing up her makeup tools as well as perfume and other small bottles into her purse with a delighted expression. She looks amazing in her outfit, and too top it off she had curled her hair slightly, giving it a soft wavy look. Grabbing her wrist, I pull her close, giving her a peck on the lips, making sure to not smudge her lipstick. Blushing through her foundation, she turns her head slightly to the side.

"Let's wait outside. It's almost time." - Ian

"Okay…" - Rebecca