Babushka ✔, Valkyrae

39. he played

39. he played

'I am telling you, you're really good.' James said as they walked towards the exit, passing the lawn. 'I didn't see much though, but I did see one live one last week.'

Rae smiled, their hands full by all the gifts she had bought for Imane. James had purchased one, and the other ten so bags were all Rae's.

'But it's kinda difficult to switch.' James said, while they made their way out. 'Between the streams.'

'Switch?' She asked, walking besides him.

'Yes. I mean, I watch T's stream, and then I suppose everytime he's streaming, you're streaming too.' He said, glancing at her. 'And most of the times you both play together. So, I had to switch once.'

Rae chuckled watching and understanding his dilemma. 'Yea, Sykkuno and I play almost every day. Every day since forever now.' She said, watching James's expression soften. The mention of his twin always did leave a visible hurt on his face. 'But, since it's your twin, I think I can let one viewer go. Sykkuno is amazing.'

James smiled, shaking his head. 'T is therapeutic.' He spoke, his lighter tone, the soft chuckles making Rae focus only on him. 'He speaks and the entire stressful day I have just feels secondary, you know.' He said, Rae waited for him to continue. 'And yours is... um... I don't know how to say...'

'No no. I'm waiting.' She tilted her head, folding her hands across her chest. 'Say?'

'Yours is...' James chuckled, running his hand through his hair, making it a bit messy. 'Energetic. Like, I would be drained but still manage to have fun. Like I am not tired at all.'

Rae still looked at him, pointedly, 'And it's a good thing or...'

'No no. Definitely a good thing.' He responded immediately.

They shared a smile and while Rae looked at James, she saw the pool table from behind him at the corner of the lawn. 'You have time?' She asked, and James glanced at his watch.

'Um.. yea... I guess? Why?'

The glint of mischief shone in her brown eyes, 'Because I want a rematch.'  James looked at her direction and saw the pool tables from across, 'I haven't gotten over my defeat from the other day.'

This was to the first time they ever played pool at Imane's engagement party. James couldn't even say anything because the short girl stomped across the lawn and he followed.

She may be shorter in height, but way more stubborn than anyone.

_

It waa deja vu for the both of them. Their bags were safely kept in a locker, while they stood across each other on the pool table, the cue sticks in their hands. While James wasn't sure how, Rae was confident she would win.

When clearly they both knew he would.

The tables had turned though. Because she insisted to play this time, wanting to know James better, wanting to place a finger on their connection.

The only difference between the last time and this was the synergy between them. Now it was more vibrant, playful and cheery than the last time. There was also a visible sort of connection they both felt but chose to ignore.

'You sure, Rachel?' James asked, still unsure. 'You wanna do this?'

'Duh.' She shrugged, holding the cue stick all wrong. 'I've been practicing.'

James sighed, eyeing her playfully. 'Online pool doesn't count.' He smirked at her shocked expressions.

'Wait. How did you know?' She asked, confused.