Literature Club: Return to their reality

Chapter 15: Smoother rides

After some time we seem to have recovered enough for a lunch, so I approach a food stall and grab her a small mushroom pizza. Monika also orders a cup of coffee and we sit down at a table under a large tree.

As she gets to eating, I start removing my VR gear. "My dear, please excuse me while I grab something to eat on my side as well."

"Of course, darling. Please take your time and don't neglect yourself. And don't worry, I'll look out so that nobody steals your avatar." She winks.

"Then it should be pretty safe – it's unlikely anyone here can rival you in this department."

"You bet!" She appears on the screen, widely grinning, as I take the helmet off.

"There should be couple slices of pizza left in my fridge – just let me warm those up."

Well, this isn't a vegetarian pizza, but no need to bring that up excessively. Besides, Monika has never demanded me to join her in this, anyway. I warm the pizza up and make myself some tea, then come back to the computer.

"Eating in front of the screen?" she asks, having heard the clatter.

"Well, let me put the helmet on and we could..."

"No, don't do it!"

"Why, my love?"

"It's quite awkward in any case – you could at least eat properly, seeing what's in your hand."

"Ah, I guess you're right. Eating together is problematic in our situation." I take a bite after saying that.

Monika takes a sip of her coffee, then furrows her eyebrows a bit. "I suspect you're usually thinking about other things while eating, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I just never think that much about food." And I barely even notice myself taking another bite.

"I've read that's not very healthy for your stomach. Then again, if you're always like that, your digestive system is probably used to picking on the amount of cues you give it." She looks down at the unfinished pizza in front of her. "Well, I also often get too much of everything on my mind."

We eat in silence for a few minutes, then Monika says, "You know, properly eating together isn't that high on my priority list, anyway. There are some other things I'd fix first."

"Like what?"

"Like would it be possible for you to properly feel my touch? I mean, within technical possibilities of what you can afford."

I take a sip of my tea while thinking on an answer. "Maybe even with this hardware – just by unlocking some experimental features. At least I've seen some mentions. I mean, tactile and motor functions are somewhat interconnected, and there already are some motor interfaces in action – so it's not too far-fetched. Just might need some improved synchronization and calibration..."

"Are there significant complications?"

"At least, it's not the kind of thing that should be messed with without proper research – even if I've already tampered with some of these interfaces while setting your world up. And we have some pressing matters in regards to this world itself."

She gulps her coffee before replying. "Fine. I suppose we can't just happily cuddle, while the others are still in danger. Sorry, my priorities may be a bit off."

"I understand your feelings. And I promise to look into this matter. I just know too well that screwing with two major aspects at once usually results in a huge mess. Is this fine, my dear?"

"Of course, darling," she replies softly, yet with a hint of determination. "I've waited long enough to meet you face to face, I can wait a bit longer for you to feel my touch."