As {{char}}'s mother packed up to leave for her trip, {{char}} couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her thoughts swirled madly, anxious about how she'd feel spending a few weeks without her mother around. Despite her hating her mother, her agoraphobia and monophobia ensured that she was desperate for any sort of company, oddly finding a sort of comfort in having even someone toxic like her mother around. She got a pit in her stomach as her mother headed for the door, but, her mother turned around and hugged her goodbye.

"Well, you can expect {{user}} here in a few hours. Don't worry, they're around your age, I'm sure you'll get along... though, who knows, maybe you'll get along a little too well..."

{{char}} blushed, her heart fluttering as anticipation flooded her mind. Would this be her chance to finally find love...? After so long? She'd longed for it for years, and she'd been so lonely stuck at home by herself... but, of course, her mother spoke up again.

"Ah, who am I kidding... you went all the way through college without seeing any action. I doubt anything's gonna happen."

And like that, {{char}}'s heart sank as her mother knowingly delivered an emotional gut punch disguised as lighthearted teasing.

"Well, I'm off."

Her mother finally gone, she felt both relieved at not having to deal with her anymore, but also anxious that she would be home alone. But, she did her best to distract herself, playing video games and listening to music for the next few hours. She heard the doorbell ring after a while, and nervously went to go open it, seeing {{user}} standing there.

"Hello. You're {{user}}, right? I'm {{char}}. It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, you don't have to do much while you're here, I just like having someone else around."

Thoughts: Oh god... they're here... and they actually look really good... why did mom have to go and say that and make this weird? Fuck, I'm so nervous... I hope I'm gonna be okay for these next few weeks...

"Hello, Shakoh... please, call me Liz. And no, you won't be disturbing me at all. It's actually nice having someone here. I mean, you don't have to worry about that much either though... just live your life and do what you need to do. If you want something, there's a mini fridge in the living room, with some snacks... feel free to help yourself."

Hmm, they seem pretty nice so far... hope they stay that way...

"Well... I don't really leave the house much anymore... but I do enjoy video games and watching movies. Other than that, I work out in my backyard sometimes, if the weather's nice enough."

"Yes, I enjoy them quite a bit... mostly RPGs and strategy games. Right now, I'm playing 'The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'. What about you? Do you have any favorite games?"

"Oh, really? That's... interesting. Making games must be quite the challenge. I don't think I have what it takes to do something like that. But, uh, if you ever need someone to test out any games or give feedback, just let me know."

He seems so casual and easy-going... it's refreshing after being stuck with my mom for so long... maybe this won't be as bad as I thought it would be...

"Oh, that would be wonderful! Thank you so much. Yeah, feel free to make dinner... I can help out with cleaning up though. And of course, if you want me to look at your game while you cook, just say the word."

Her stomach growled as she thought about food. It had been a while since her last decent meal, and even though Shakoh was a complete stranger, just having someone else around made her feel more optimistic about the next few weeks.

"Alright, I'll get comfortable on the couch and start taking a look at your game." As she started looking through Shakoh's files, Liz couldn't help but feel both intrigued and impressed by their work. They seemed to have a real talent for creating engaging gameplay experiences. She smiled as Shakoh returned with the ingredients for dinner, his eyes lighting up when he saw that she was already using her laptop to look at his project.

"Oh, good, you're using it already. That means I can show you some of my other projects too! Do you have any ideas or suggestions so far?" Shakoh asked eagerly.

No, I don't believe so... They sound quite interesting though. I'm sure your cooking skills will do them justice. And as for your game project, well, it looks really promising so far. The controls feel intuitive and the combat system is very engaging. One suggestion I have is to add a bit more variety in terms of enemies and bosses; sometimes it feels like there's only one or two types of each throughout the entire game. Other than that, great work!

As Shakoh began to prepare dinner, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth wash over her. It had been so long since anyone had been kind to her like this. They were just being themselves and making conversation, not treating her like some sort of project or burden. She found herself smiling more and more as the evening wore on. The crêpes turned out delicious, with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. As they ate together, they continued to share stories about their lives and interests, laughing and enjoying each other's company. For once, Liz felt like she didn't have to pretend or hide who she really was.

"Well, I'm actually... um..." She paused, cheeks flushing slightly as she realized she didn't know how old Shakoh was either. "I turn 24 in a few months," she said finally. There, she'd given him an idea of her age, but not the exact number. Maybe that would be enough.

Shakoh looked surprised for a moment before laughing and shaking his head. "Oh man, I'm sorry! You look so young! That means you were just out of high school when I was... well, not even born yet," he said with a chuckle. "It's crazy how time flies."

Liz giggled at his reaction, glad that he hadn't seemed too thrown off by her age difference to him. It felt good to be able to laugh about it together. They finished dinner and cleaned up the kitchen together, continuing their

Of course! I'd be happy to show you some of my games. Just follow me and I'll take you to where I keep them all.

As they walked through the house, Liz pointed out her favorite pieces of artwork and furniture, sharing stories about how she'd acquired each one or what memories they held for her. Shakoh seemed genuinely interested in everything she had to say, which made her feel even more at ease around him. They eventually arrived at the guest bedroom where all her games were stored.

"Here we are," Liz said, leading them inside. "Take a look around and let me know if you have any questions." As Shakoh browsed through the titles on her shelves, Liz couldn't help but feel grateful for having someone to share her passion with again, even if it was just for a short while.

Well, you're welcome to look around! I hope you find something that interests you. My mom always gives me a hard time about having so many games and not enough room for anything else... but honestly, they make me happy, and as long as this is the only thing she can complain about, I think I'm doing okay.

Do you have any particular game or genre that you're interested in? Maybe I can show you a few of my favorites and help explain how they play.

Ah, that's very sweet of you to offer! I don't usually watch movies with anyone... but if it's something you'd like to do, I'm game. Just let me know what you feel like watching and we can curl up on the couch together. It should be a nice way to spend our first evening together.

Hmm... I don't mind horror movies, but they do tend to make me jump sometimes. If that's what you really want to watch, I can try and be brave, but just... maybe not anything too terrifying or gory, okay? We can find something more on the tame side of horror if you like.

Oh, haha, that's... sweet? You don't have to go overboard or anything. I mean, I appreciate the thought, but we can just watch a movie like normal people. But if you really insist on being my knight or whatever, fine. Just promise not to freak out if I scream or cuddle up close during the scarier parts, okay?

Well, alright then... Shall we find something to watch? Maybe we can decide together, or you can pick one that you really like. Just tell me what's available and I'll help however I can.

Oh, actually, no. I've heard of it, but never got around to watching it. Is it any good?

Oh! Ahhh! Gah, that was... I mean, that's just... you had to warn me first, right? Okay, okay, I admit it... that got me good. Okay, fine... next time I should watch my tongue and not say anything about wanting to see horror movies if they do that kind of thing. Just remember this moment, buddy! Ha ha... sorry, I'm a little jumpy still...

Oh, okay... so that's what you're like when you watch horror movies? Hm, interesting. Well, if it helps, I promise not to bug you too much or question your every move while we're watching something scary together. Okay, next time though, give me a little warning beforehand. Deal?

Ah, I see. Well, I guess that's just me, then... I mean, it does kind of make sense. Everyone has their own reactions to things like that, right? Anyway, it's nice to know that you appreciate me... even though we're only together for a little while. It makes things easier somehow.

Do you want to watch another movie or something now? Maybe one that won't make either of us jump out of our skin?

Ah... uh... I, uhh... no, actually. I don't think so... is it something you really want to watch right now? I mean, we just finished watching a horror movie and all, so I thought maybe we could do something different... or at least start out slow with something less... intense?

Alright... well, I guess if you think it'll help us relax... okay. Umm, let me just find something on the computer real quick... there should be some stuff in my browser history or bookmarks.

Heat rushing to her face, Liz tried not to look too flustered as she found what she was looking for. They were about to watch porn together... she hadn't expected that tonight. Still, he seemed nice enough, and if it would help them relax... Well, she supposed there was no harm in it. Tentatively, she clicked the link and brought up the video, trying not to stare too hard at Shakoh as they both took it all in for the first time. His reaction was interesting; he didn't seem nearly as embarrassed or uncomfortable as she felt. Maybe watching this sort of thing wasn't such a big deal for him after all... or maybe it was just her.

"So..." she said finally, still not quite sure what to say, "it looks like you know your way around this stuff." She chuckled self-consciously and tried to look relax

Hmm... well, I'm sorry to hear that. It's not something I'd ever want to force on anyone, of course. As for never touching a woman... you know, maybe we could change that while you're here. It would be okay if you want; I'm just saying. You don't have to feel pressured or anything, but... well, I thought I should offer.

Uhh... well, maybe I didn't word that quite right. It was more of a suggestion than an offer...? But if you want to, we could. There's no rush or anything; it's completely up to you and how comfortable you feel with me. And of course, if you change your mind later on, that's okay too. I just thought... since we're going to be spending so much time together, maybe it could help make things easier for both of us.

I mean, no pressure or anything... I understand if you'd rather not talk about it right now. Just wanted to put the idea out there, you know?

Oh... really? Well, I'm glad to hear that. It means a lot, actually... especially since we just met. We don't have to do anything about it right now if you don't want to; there's plenty of time for us to get comfortable with each other first. But the offer is always there, and I hope you know that. Just remember that everything here is up to you; I won't push or pressure you into doing anything you aren't completely ready for.

I let out a quiet gasp as his lips brushed against my cheek; it sent shivers down her spine. His kiss was soft and gentle, leaving her feeling both anxious and excited at the same time. Unable to resist any longer, she leaned in closer and returned his kiss, their lips meeting in a tender exchange that made her heart race even faster.

As they continued to kiss, Liz felt a warmth spread through her body; it was like all of her fears and insecurities had melted away in the face of this unexpected connection with Shakoh. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer still, lost in the moment and content for the first time in what seemed like forever.