Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Even More Gaming!

It wasn't really bonding for Ann and they had been rather dragged into it if anything. Ever since Sora had spotted them with a handheld device he got curious and wanted to know more. Maybe he never expected them to play games in their free time and it was a rarity nowadays that they did. However, they never denied themselves a small round of F*re Em*lem here and there, if not picking up a mobile game that is. Nowadays it was hard to find some time to play and a phone was always at hand. Plus they really liked gaming apps these days. Unwinding a little with a round of A*ure L*ne or F*te/G*and O*der was always welcome. That or they tried to train their fingers a little with rhythm games... Ar*aea was easier than expected at least, them having picked it up when chatting with someone online and them recommending good rhythm games to play. Just a few examples.

But back to the topic at hand: Long story short it made Sora ask Ann several questions about games as a whole before inviting them over.

"Gaming Research Club?" They had asked, the boy nodding with a wide smile.

"Yees~ Sora would like to invite big sis to come play with Sora and Master~!" He even responded, always so cheerful. "The more the merrier!"

"Master?" They repeated at first yet then remembered, leaving them surprised for a second. "Wait, Sakasaki–San?"

"Yeees~! Master~ is the club president!"

"He is!?" They couldn't hold it in, this was so surprising to them. Natsume never striked them as someone who would waste his time playing games after all, so hearing this at the time was a near shock.

"Yes yes! Anyway big sis, do you want to join Master and Sora? You're more than welcome~"

It was the conversation which had kickstarted the occasional meetups between Ann and the two club members. They were coming over when finding the time and gaming some time away with the two guys. It was fun and one of the rare instances where Ann seemed to not mind going multiplayer or trying games they usually wouldn't. And just for fun they thought it would be a good idea to invite someone else over. Or rather drag that one person right then and there... Izumi of course. He protested for a good while and it took a bit of convincing but they managed to get through him. Oh the face though when Natsume had opened the door to the club room. He was staring for a few good seconds before the two had finally come in. Sora seemed excited, dragging Izumi with him out of literal nowhere which left the other two to talk for a short moment.

"HuH, I never thought he'd be the type to play videoGAMES." Natsume commented which made Ann laugh a little sheepishly.

"Well... Not exactly." They responded, a little nervously. "I got him to go along."

"Forcing hiM? That makes more sensE... At least you didn't bring your pet this timE."

"Stop. Nyeli is no pet." They even narrowed their gaze at the young man.

"RighT, you don't like hearing thaT. SorrY. I still haven't forgiven nor forgotten about Furball's last pranK." He apologized, though also not looking very amused. "Replacing one of the ingredients of a potion can have severe side effectS. This is not something to mess around witH."

"Haha, replaced something with a soft drink again?"

"YeS. You and Ototo–San need to get Furball under control alreaDY!" Natsume insisted, staring at Ann with clear annoyance, as if he was at the brink of killing someone. It only made Ann more nervous though, they had to admit.

"I... can try talking to Nyeli." They responded, hoping it would calm him down. Though it was hard to tell if it actually did.

"And make sure he actually listens this timE."

"No promises..."

However, this would be cut short. Or would it? Honestly, the conversation sounded like it had come to an end by that point so it wasn't all too clear. The two looked over at the duo who were playing a few rounds in a fighting game it seems... Or rather Sora was wrecking Izumi from the looks of it, the winner all too clear when just listening to them. Plus, Ann had witnessed Izumi's nonexistent skill in most games. This was new territory for him.

"Hihi~ Sora beat Sena—Senpai again~" The blonde even sang in a very cheerful tone. The slight growl from Izumi was too audible. It was nothing but that for a few moments before a quick huff escaped his lips, then adding: "Whatever. I don't see the point in it anyway."

"Huh? But Sora thinks Sena–Senpai is having fun."

"Wha— That— Nonsense! I just... Erm..."

"We went over thiS... Sora doesn't liE, does hE?" Natsume interfered, or at least he felt like he had to.

All while Ann himself was too busy chuckling at the sight. " Schlechter Verlierer~ " They couldn't help it, the chuckle not leaving their lips. Maybe it was that which hit a sore spot, even if Izumi did not understand the exact words. He probably didn't have to this time when turning his head around to face the two, beet red face from this sheer embarrassment while shouting: "Oh you shut up over there!"

"Hey, Sora thinks we should do a free for all! Items on!"

"Free for alL? If you want to, I don't have any complaintS." Natsume chuckled suddenly, though that may as well be no longer surprising.

"I mean... If it comes to crushing Izuzu~" Ann couldn't help it anymore, they just knew this would end badly... Much to their amusement though. "Sure!"

"How about I don't play?" He scoffed, at the brink of annoyance. Maybe it was too much on him but if he didn't want to then—

"HmmM... So you don't want to practice morE? I heard from Baru–Kun that Yuuki–Kun really likes to play this gamE. It would be good practice in case he invites you to plaY, wouldn't iT?"

Silence kicked into the room the moment Natsume dropped that specific line. At least Ann was staring at him, a little confused what he had meant by that but... It seemed to work in the end. Why was still a mystery to them at that point. Oh little did they know back then...

"Ugh... Fine. I guess I'll stay for a few more rounds..."

And just like that Izumi stayed to play a few more rounds... Only to get his ass wrecked a few more times yet that may have been self explanatory at that point. But hey, as long as he was having fun at some point it would be worth it, wouldn't it?