#raythecomputerart

“Okay, time out,” Louise interrupted, giving a bark of a laugh as her girlfriend choked on her next words, arms dropping as she lost her momentum.

The others turned bemused eyes towards Louise, putting both within the spotlight. Persephone, as her arms came to rest on the table, at least had the sense to look a little embarrassed, though entirely put out. A story told by Persephone was not one to be interrupted, as all at the table knew to be true.

“What?” she asked, sarcastic and feigning ignorance, a combo only she could master well. Louise laughed, resting her chin on her palm.

“I know Haru let us come up with our own story for how we met, but I don’t think you can throw “pirates” into everything, Persephone,” she answered, sounding all the world like she didn’t actually mind, but had to argue for argument's sake.

Eyes turned to Haru, caught mid-sip of water, causing her to freeze. She finished the drink and shrugged, a half smile on her face.

“Okay, I know Louise said pause, but is this conversation happening in character?” she asked, glancing between the two. They did their own glancing, then decided maybe too many eyes were moving about.

“... Actually, yeah, I think this is,” Louise laughed.

“Alright, then we should probably go from there. I will add, as Haru, your friend, that I think the pirates are a hella cool idea. As Haru, your DM, please God don’t make me plan out a future sea battle.” 

The table rippled with laughter, voices overlapping each other to assure the already-greying twenty year old they wouldn't stress her out too much more.

“If that is the case,” Louise laughed, “I guess Persephone is just going to have to dig her own grave. I say to Kore, “Pirates are hardly a believable part to this story. And completely inaccurate.””

“Renaldo’s gonna cut in,” Muta laughed, “and say, “I’ll have you know, pirates are the only believable part of this story. And by far the best part.””

“Of course you would side with her, Renaldo, you were a Captain yourself,” Toto responded, his character Aubergine ready to provoke another fight.

“That’s what I’m saying, that’s why it’s the best part!” Renaldo is going to tell you, Toto. Don’t think you can provoke me that easily,” Muta snickered, though his smile was a tad more forceful than usual.

“Cutting out all dramatics, we do have a story to finish? One that I, as Elloise’s brother, deserve to hear on how she married a runaway pirate queen?” Baron cuts in to prevent the ensuing argument, the others easily slipping back into character.

Haru gets a wry little smile to herself, sitting back as she watched the others bicker and argue over their characters, proud of the story she weaved for them. She sips at her water again, jotting notes every once in a while when the characters say something worth using against them. She felt a tad disconnected, wishing she wasn’t just-

“Elloise stops everyone and turns to Yuki and says, “Yuki, what do you think of this entire mess?” Louise suddenly asks, all eyes turning to face Haru.

The DM blinks, a slow smile forming on her face as she’s invited to join the game. Though, she never needed the invite. Louise’s smile, a bit too knowing and observant, tells her everything. She never was out of the game.