Complete 18+ Private Team ACK! Holiday Special

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

With Meera clearly better at decorating than him, Sam was more than happy to just assist her in whatever way he could, including propping a ladder for her and making sure she didn't fall from it. He listened as she shared everything she could about her animal friends and expressed admiration for how patient and caring she was. Sam could barely take care of Sally the beagle. Having cows and chickens and pigs and everything else sounded like it would be quite a nightmare for him, especially with his job forcing him to travel all over the world. A nightmare for Song then. "Size shouldn't matter. Family is family," he mumbled before nodding and following her to the kitchen.

"I work in textiles," Song smiled weakly, a little embarrassed at her status compared to Huifang's. She was a little intimidated by the smart engineer in the same room as her but tried her best to muster enough courage to remain a bright ray of sunshine. "Well, I did. In Korea. But when we moved here, I sort of...just take care of our place now," she raised an eyebrow at Huifang's assumption that she was a model, a little surprised and also flattered. "Never been a model but thanks? I've always just been skinny. I just need to eat more, my coworkers used to say a lot." It wasn't the best thing to hear from anyone but Song didn't want any trouble from her coworkers, so she just went with it.

When Meera and Sam entered, she turned to them with wide eyes and an even wider smile. Sam has always had that effect on her, which was why she went with him when he first suggested getting a place overseas, here in Los Angeles, California, a country away from her home. "Hey, you two! Don't tell me you're already done with the decorations?! So fast!" She winked at Sam who immediately went to her for a quick smooch before helping with the meal preparations. "Only with helping out. What do you two need? What are you working on, Huifang?"

 

[Kamala Graham]

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...

Sam's Apartment

"Hello!" Meera cheerfully greeted the two cooks with an attention-grabbing, to the point of very exaggerated, wave of her extended arm in the air. Grinning from ear to ear, she fluttered from Song's station to Huifang's station, taking a whiff and checking out what they were each making. "We are! Time flies when you're having fun decorating! What are you guys making? Those look so delicious!"

Meera did have some guesses on that front, as she spent a lot of time cooking for others as well, but she didn't want to overstep her boundaries. Whatever they were making, she had faith they were going to be good! Maybe even better than what she herself could put out. "If you girls need any help, anything at all, I've got some free hands!" She then showed both of them her hands, moving her fingers erratically, as if she were a witch about to cast some spells on them. A food witch, casting some food spells! Accio, gulab jamun!

Meera just couldn't wait to eat with friends!

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

Textiles?! Huifang had too many theories on what Song did but "textiles" was definitely not one of them. Internally, she was confused, at least for a moment, frowning and scowling in her mind's eyes, but externally? She had her head down, all her attention seemingly on perfecting her already perfect teriyaki sauce. "Huh. Okay. So you met Sam in Korea and he brought you all the way here? Your coworkers are stupid. You look very good."

Huifang took a quick glimpse at the newcomers before finishing up her chicken. "I'm just about done with the teriyaki chicken, but you can check the oven for me to see if the desserts are ready?" The desserts were mostly by Song. Huifang only helped finish them. Song had actually asked Huifang to take them out of the oven seconds before Meera and Sam walked in. So, since she was still busy with the finishing touches on the chicken, she just dumped that responsibility on Sam. Should be easy, right?

With everyone now helping in the kitchen, it was only a matter of time before they'd all finish, and just in time for dinner, too. In the last few minutes, Huifang sought out Song's help testing the remaining dishes and Meera's assistance with the vegetables and other desserts that Sam wasn't focusing on. She could almost smile at how warm and cozy this entire thing was but managed to rein herself in, instead reminding herself that it was just them being a well-oiled machine that made her think of a productive and efficient day at work. Sigh... Such bliss.

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

"I did," came Song's grinning reply. "He did." Most of her attention was with finishing up the meals, so they can finally have dinner, but she was still able to spare some time to satiate Huifang's curiosities. "Oh, I wouldn't call them stupid. Some people just prioritize the wrong things, I think." When Meera shared her own curiosities, Song was more than happy to share with Meera all the information on all the food she was preparing. She was also more than happy to have her help with everything and anything.

Sam was the same. He was more than happy to help Huifang with the desserts. He's never heard of teriyaki chicken being served during the holidays, but to each their own. He had spent enough time with other cultures to know that some things are better left to experience. Besides, he did like teriyaki chicken. "I got your back, Huifang."

Soon, it was dinner time, thanks to everyone's effort. Sam was very pleased that he was able to help make some of the holiday food they were enjoying, grinning as Song passed him some more teriyaki chicken. "I have to say, this chicken is pretty good. Also the vegetables and the ham. Good work, everyone!" He was glad they didn't have stuffed turkey because he was already getting super stuffed. Good food with good friends... What more could he ask for?

 

[Kamala Graham]

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...

Sam's Apartment

"Goodness!" Meera cried out loud after stuffing her face with Huifang's teriyaki chicken. "This is so good!" She felt like a kid again. Not just like one in a candy store, but like one who was spending time with her family after being away from them for years. She eagerly took a quartered slice of ham for a quick taste, giddily enjoying herself, before moving on to the vegetables and noodles. Although Kamala considered herself a vegetarian, it was by choice and not because of a dietary need, so she could still eat meat when she could. The last time was like what three years ago? Give or take, though her memory was a little fuzzy because of her love for...herbal drinks. "You guys are amazing in the kitchen!"

Once the food was mostly gone, including the desert, especially the desert, Meera leaned back for a moment or two to regain her composure. Her tummy and her heart were both full. Looking around the table, she couldn't help but smile. It was the best dinner of her life, or at least the best dinner she's had in recent memory, and not just because the food was great. The company was also amazing. Speaking of company... "Would you guys mind if I sing us all a song?" She beamed, already knowing what she would play.

Once everyone agreed to indulge her grateful excitement, Meera rushed to her room to retrieve her trusty guitar. When she came back, she spent a few more seconds fiddling with the instrument in her seat before slowly strumming a mellow tune as an opener for the actual song. Her fingers glided gracefully over the strings as her voice, cool as the temperature of the season, serenaded the rest of the table, "Have yourself a merry little Christmas... Let your heart be light... From now on, our troubles will be out of sight..." Meera watched them as they listened to her, encouraging them to sing along with her.

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

Huifang quietly agreed with Song's sentiment. Different strokes for different folks, different priorities for different...minorities? I'll work on that one. She also appreciated the assistance from Sam and Meera. It made all the work that much easier, and when they started complimenting her cooking, all the more fulfilling.

Huifang herself enjoyed the seasonal foods and drinks before them, maybe even going as far as getting herself a little bit drunk. It was hard not to, with all the good food and drinks on the table, and especially with the good singing and music from Meera. Huifang watched her play with a smile, finally finding the festive spirit that had been long dormant within her.

Although she tried her best not to sing with her lips, internally she was singing in her head. She couldn't keep herself from bobbing her head to the tune, though. It was a very good performance. Once Meera was done, Huifang was the first to applaud her. Her energy was excited and vibrant. "That was a really good song, Meera! You're such a great musician!"

Without thinking much about it, or even attempting to rein herself in, she leaned forward and kissed her friend out of the blue. Drinks, amirite? Always gets people in trouble, especially the engineer who hasn't kissed anyone since, like, a decade ago. Maybe even two. "You smell nice..."

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

Meera would receive no pushback from Sam and Song with regard to her singing them all a song. After all, the couple has had their fair share of singing songs together. Having their guests do all the singing for once would be a respite from Sam's terrible attempt at a Taylor Swift song. Song, in particular, was more than excited to witness her new friend perform, and when Meera did, her heart swell deep within her chest. Sam held his beloved as Song sang along and even tried to get Sam to do the same, which he inevitably did. When has Sam ever resisted Song anyway?

The couple applauded the musician once her performance was done, taking a moment to stare deep into each other's eyes in appreciation of the season and the atmosphere. They were caught surprised, however, when a drunk Huifang gave Meera a smooch. Sam turned to Song immediately, not sure what to do or say, while the girl's eyes were wide in surprise and her jaw dropped in shock. Quietly, they both just exchanged glances, all the while waiting for Meera to react. How should they even react?

Sam tried to break the ice by making a toast, asking for everyone's attention. It was a small room, so even Sally the beagle turned to him from her cozy little space on the floor. "Well, uhh, it has been an honor and a great privilege to have you two with us today, this week, this month. As you already know, Song and I rarely take visitors during this season, so this was a nice change of pace. Good company heightens the holidays, and you two have been the best. So thank you, Meera, Huifang, for spending your holidays with us. Cheers!"

After raising his glass to them, Song did the same. He was already taking another sip of his drink when Song reminded him of something else with an elbow to his stomach. "Oh, right... Wait here," Sam quickly left the room, and when he returned, he had two wrapped boxes with him. He gave one to Meera and another to Huifang. "These are just some small tokens of our appreciation."

"Hope you like them!" Song chimed in, grinning from ear to ear and making tiny claps with her hands.

 

[Kamala Graham]

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...

Sam's Apartment

Meera's heart swelled when everyone joined in on her performance, whether by singing or just by moving along to the tune. It made her so happy to see her friends enjoy her simple musical number, so much so that she even did an exaggerated bow when she was done. Playing music for her loved ones wasn't anything new or out of the blue for Meera, but she always savored and relished the positive feedback and reinforcement from her audience. Rarely has she even been heckled or booed, and for good reason. "Thank you, thank you!"

When Huifang kissed her, Meera simply chuckled. She didn't think much of it. Friends kissed each other, right? And they were very good friends. "Aww, thank you so much, Huifang! You smell nice, too!" Meera even returned the kiss with another kiss, only to be more surprised by their hosts gifting them boxes with pretty wrappers all over them. "Oh, my! You guys shouldn't have!"

When she opened her box, she audibly gasped, shocked at what was inside. She exchanged glances with Huifang before taking the emerald necklace from within, admiring it in the open. "This is so beautiful! Sam... Song... I love you, guys!" She then embraced their hosts, in complete awe at this great friendship.

After a few moments of hugging, she remembered that she, too, had something to share with everyone! With a finger, she gestured for them all to give her a moment before disappearing to their room. When she returned, she had three boxes with her, one for everyone else. "I...also got you guys something. They aren't much, definitely not as expensive as this emerald necklace, but they were made with love! I hope you like them!"

Spoiler: What her gift looks like

The gift is a moon lamp handcrafted by her farm friends!​

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

"Oh, so we're doing this, huh?" Huifang took a moment to finish her entire drink in one continuous gulp, a feat that she had honed in her years in Japan. She was just midway through when she was handed the couple's gift. Along with Meera, she opened her box and was a little surprised to find jewelry. It has been a long time since someone gifted her jewelry. Well, someone not related to her or someone who didn't want to boink her. She inspected the amethyst necklace with awe and a smile before being interrupted by Meera who also had surprise gifts for everyone. "Oh, a lamp? I love it! I love the necklace, too! You guys are the best!"

During the brief lull in the conversation, Huifang immediately finished the remainder of her drink. She raised a finger at everyone, gesturing for them to give her a moment, before rising up to her feet and stumbling to her room. When she got back, she also had gifts for everyone. Hey, it was the season. They should have all expected gifts one way or the other. "Wasn't quite sure what to get you guys since I'm super bad at this, but hey, I tried!"

She handed them each a box, which should contain an assortment of Japanese snacks, stuff that could only be found in the country. Huifang knew some people loved that kind of thing, and so she hoped these people would love that kind of thing also. She was so stressed about them liking the gifts that she burst into spoiling them for them while they were still trying to unwrap them (that's a lot of thems). "...they're just a bunch of snacks."

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

A lamp and Japanese snacks, what more could Sam and Song want? While Song giddily purred at the gifts she had received, Sam was much calmer. Song chirped thank yous and gave tight hugs while Sam just nodded and proceeded to inspect the gifts in his hands. "Oh, my gosh! These are so amazing! Thank you so much, Meera, Huifang! I love you both!" There wasn't anything else Sam could say or add to what Song had told the girls. He felt the same way. She was just better at expressing her gratitude than him. As per usual.

"You both didn't have to," was the only thing he could muster. It was the truth, but he appreciated their kindness all the same. The snacks, he wasn't unfamiliar with. He's made business trips to Japan, defended clients in the country, but there was a few of them that he hadn't tried yet. Perhaps later or tomorrow to satiate his curiosity. The lamp, he would probably bring to his office. It would be a good reminder of the friends he recently made. Good lamp.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧
...

Sam's Apartment

"Oh, I love snacks!" Meera scrambled to browse through Huifang's gift. She wasn't lying. She was obsessed with snacks, especially snacks from other countries. They had a bunch of Japanese ones where she was from, but the ones Huifang gifted her weren't available, so her eyes widened at the sight of them. She was literally like a child in a candy store. With a squeal, she gave Huifang a hug and a quick kiss. "I love these, Huifang! Thank you so much!"

As she started eating one of the snacks, a sakura-infused candy bar, she grinned at Song and Sam, chuckling at their obvious difference in terms of gift-getting. Song was clearly like Meera, all too happy at getting free stuff that was drizzled in love, while Sam was a typical guy, trying his best to hide how much he loved the stuff through simple words of gratitude. Meera could relate to both of them, as she had been like Sam before but she was glad to be more like Song now. Nothing's better than being transparent to your friends, especially when it came to positive emotions. "I'm so glad I met you, guys. Really. This has been a wonderful end to my year!"

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

Huifang audibly sighed, not out of boredom but out of relief that her newly-made friends loved her gift. Although in theory snacks as gifts were less stressful to procure than handmade lamps and definitely less expensive than jewelry, she did spend a lot of time choosing the individual cogs of her holiday machine. If Song, Sam, and Meera actually compared gifts, they'd notice each gift was special. Some snacks weren't in the other ones, only in specific boxes. But they were past that and Huifang didn't really want to draw more attention to it. She was still getting used to praises and cheers and positive emotions.

"Yeah, to be honest," she began seconding Meera's motion. "It would have been a boring holiday for me if we didn't do this." She took another swig of her drink and thought about how she usually spent the holidays, alone and bored. If she didn't already have herself a holiday lunch, she'd actually stay late to watch something online, passing out in the wee hours of the night with fried chicken crumbs all over herself. How she remained skinny despite eating terribly had always been a mistery to most people. To Huifang, it was a curse.

With a grin, she took quick glimpses of Meera, Song, and Sam before taking yet another swig of her drink and chuckling to herself, very grateful for this moment in time. "But speaking of doing this, we need a better team name in-game. Say, Song, why don't you play with us?" Of course, Huifang understood that Song may not be a gamer like the three of them, but it was still a bit of a foreign concept to her. She may not be one of those hardcore players, but everyone she's ever known has at least tried a video game. Why not Song?

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

"Aww, girls! I feel the same way!" Song didn't even hesitate. Not one bit. She reached out for their guests and gave them both the tightest hug she could muster. Sam just watched them fawn over each other, smiling like a proud father. Or more appropriately, a lover who's found friends not just for him but also for the most important person in his life. They're really getting along, huh? Thought this would be more awkward...

At Huifang's question, Song pulled away, her face a look of confusion. She had almost forgotten they were friends through Sam playing a game with them, which wasn't even something she'd thought possible. In his defense, Sam was a busy bee, though the game he played with Meera and Huifang kept him sane. "Hmm," she squinted at Sam, her brain cells working overtime. "I don't know. I guess I'm just not that much of a gamer."

Sam chuckled, shaking his head, "Song's not into video games. I'm not into K-Pop. We have our differences, but we persevere." Song turned to Sam with a giddy look, nodding fervently at his statement. Sam winked at him, giving her a kiss on the head. He had anticipated she'd try to kiss him first. His move, unbeknownst to Song, was more than a gesture of affection: It was to make sure they didn't end up making things weird in front of their guests. "So, what name did you have in mind? I thought you loved Astra Alpha... Team ACK!?"

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧
...

Sam's Apartment

There was no question about whether Meera enjoyed the hug from Song. Meera loves hugs! And that was one of the best she's ever gotten. She tried to return the same tight hug that her new friend had given her, but her body was positioned in an awkward way that she couldn't, only mustering a semi-hug with her friend arm. Meera did manage to press her cheek against Song's, a gesture that meant she was reciprocating the warmth of their friendship.

"Oh, well, if you want to start, or like try, you can play with us!" Meera gave her a wide smile and excited nod. It might've been bold of her, maybe too bold, to invite someone new to the game when she herself wasn't that much of a gamer either, but she was enjoying herself too much and she just wanted to share the experience. "I can show you the ropes, we can play together, though I'm just what the hardcore gamers call a filthy casual."

At Huifang's topic of a better name, Meera suddenly started thinking. She didn't really have that much preference in team names, or more specifically party names, but she did enjoy the idea of being officially in a team with Sam and Huifang. "I love Team ACK!, to be honest. It's our in-game characters' initials, so it's pretty cute. Astra Alpha's good, too... What about the G.O.D Squad, short for Gaming Off-Duty Squad? Get it? Because we all have work and can only play...off-duty???" Hey, she thought it was brilliant.

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

"What Meera said," Huifang gave Song a quick wink before taking a longer swig of her holiday drink once the tight hug was over. If Sam's girlfriend wanted to try and start being a gamer, they could all pitch in and help her with the first-time experience. Hell, it wouldn't even be just them. They've met a lot of great people over the course of their gameplay, and a lot of them would be willing to help a newbie out. Song should be fine. As long as she steers clear of the weird roleplay gamers, at least, those kids that believe their characters to be greater than they actually are. It's just a game, ざこ.

Huifang squinted at Sam as she placed her drink back on the table and then at Meera when she made her suggestions. "I love both those names, but we never really made them official, did we?" If she remembered correctly, the first name was what she came up with on the spot, though the other members that comprised that ideal team hadn't returned to the game in a long while.

The second name was much better, in her most honest opinion, since it was just the three of them, who were constants in their gaming lives. They were each other's usual suspects, the frequent friends who played together as a team, a foreign concept for people with no actual friends in the game or in real life.

Of course close friends would gravitate toward each other every chance they got! Especially those guys who've met each other in real life, traveled on planes to meet up for holidays, and keep in touch outside of the game. It was less believable for someone who was only around for big game events to still retain a life-or-death camaraderie with others with whom they haven't even bonded in real life! Or in any other game for that matter.

But she digressed.

"As much as I'd love to call myself a god in the game, wouldn't that sound a little cringe?" She leaned forward and intentionally stared daggers as Sam who called himself a god in the game. God of Rocks, wasn't it? Very cringe.

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

"Sounds like fun! Maybe some day," Song gave them both a tiny clap and smile before getting out of her seat. With more preening, she started to clean up after the gang, refusing any help because she wanted the three of them to keep talking about their game thing. Song had always been selfless, putting others before her. It was one of the things Sam loved about her. Also the adult stuff were nice, too. Anyway...

"Well then, can't we just make them all official?" Sam feigned a cough but immediately proposed a solution to the inquiries presented by the women. He wasn't that interested in group names really. He was barely interested in making friends in that illegal game. But he was very glad things changed. He was very grateful to have made new friends in the two girls that were very loyal to their small circle. Err, triangle? "Hey, I didn't call myself a god in game. People in game started calling me a god. Not my fault I'm super OP."

He wasn't. OP, that is.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧
...

Sam's Apartment

"What Sam said," Meera chuckled, clearly copying Huifang's lackadaisical demeanor but to little success. The environmentalist has never been as happy-go-lucky as the engineer when it came to social interaction. In her line of work, she was less high-strung, but during these encounters, she always had that voice in the back of her head telling her to watch what she says and to make sure she doesn't offend anyone. For most people, it's a stressful disability. For Meera, it's just a way of life. She was so used to it by now that it just seemed normal for her. "In any case, Team ACK! sounds very apt. शायद, it's even the best name we've got so far!"

When Song started cleaning up, Meera instinctively got back to her feet to try to help. When she refused her help, however, the environmentalist from Mumbai could do nothing else but sit back down. On one hand, she was saddened that her host wouldn't let her help. On the other? She thought it would be more offensive if she insisted. This wasn't her house, she was only staying her for a while, so she wanted to be as easy of a temporary tenant as she could be. Disagreeing with her charitable and generous hosts would be the exact opposite. "अरे, what about Travelers? Because we travel a lot and together? It's a simple name, but simple can mean ज़बरदस्त, fantastic, right?!"

 

[Ayna Nietzsche]

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Sam's Apartment, Los Angeles, California

Huifang chuckled when she realized Meera was copying her. She gave the latter a light punch on the arm, more like gently pushing her with a light graze of her knuckle, as she took a swig of a new bottle, having finished her drink that was then taken by Song and replaced. Huifang felt more than comfortable now, her back against the chair while a foot left the floor for the same furniture. She didn't even notice how she was seated like Uncle Roger now, prior to losing his wits at another Jamie Oliver video. Dayum, she was really "comfortable," huh?

"Super OP? You're just too scared to die properly," Huifang egged Sam on, shaking her head. When she turned to Meera, she was confused by some of the words she was using, as Huifang was not that fluent in Hindi, barely even knowing a few words apart from the basic "namaste" and such, but she reciprocated the emotion behind them, so she simply nodded and drank more of her beer. "Yeah, I like Team ACK!, too. Also, Travelers sound cool. You think the others would love those? Officially, I mean?"

 

[Chrys]

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Sam's Apartment

"To be honest," Sam feigned another cough as he reached for his still-hot cup of coffee. "...and I mean no offense with this truth..." He took a quick sip first before continuing, eyes avoiding the two girls just in case they were already staring daggers at him. "...I don't really care what name we call ourselves." What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. William Shakespeare. Sam knows his classics. "As long as we get to play together, I'm good," he offered them a grin, hoping that they did not take that as a slight. After all, Sam, just like girls, just wants to have fun.

"Why don't you call yourselves the Filthy Casuals," Song chimed in from the sink as she washed a dish clean with water and soap. She hummed to herself as she paused in the middle of the thought before quickly continuing before anyone else can interrupt her line of thinking. "Sam always screams about you guys being Filthy Casuals, so I thought that was already your name. Sounds pretty cool, too. For a band or a group of gamers, I think." But what does Song know? She doesn't play that many games.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧
...

Sam's Apartment

"I don't know," Meera frowned as she began to browse through her cluttered mind. She had not heard from the rest of their friend group, if only the bare minimum of passing greetings. But they were all busy bees, each with their respective personal matters to attend to. They had their reasons, and Meera didn't foster any ill will toward them. It was just a game, after all, and they could pick it back up whenever they were less busy. Instead, she focused on trying to gauge whether any of them would consider the new name. "Team ACK! sounds more exclusive to the three of us, since it's our in-game initials, but Travelers might work better for everyone else."

Before, Meera would've tried to step in between Sam and Huifang, whenever they had disagreements, but then she realized it was just how their friendship worked. Even in game they often squabbled. Like an old married couple, though they'd probably hate that reference. "None taken," she shook her head with a smile, making sure Sam knew she was all right with his opinion, mostly because she shared it to an extent. "I feel the same way: As long as we play together, I don't mind what we call ourselves."

"अरे, that's not a bad idea!" Meera chuckled at Song's suggestion. To be fair, they were indeed what the hardcore gamers called "filthy casuals," mostly because they still had dayjobs and could only spare a few hours, a few days, playing the game. They were barely consistent and would often just drop in, joining events and then disappearing as soon as the real world called for them. "Well done, buddy!"