Ready Player One: AFK

Prologue

The mountain air was crisp. A far-cry from the polluted, crowed, jumbled mess that was Columbus, Ohio. It was also cold. A sensation that a full time Gunter would hardly notice. The Oasis saw to that. Everything about the Oasis was pleasant, unless you went looking for trouble. That word echoed in my head. This past year was nothing but trouble. Every reason to use the word could describe my recent life. A lot of good did come of it, including the warm body pressed up against mine. Art3mis… or should I say Sam?

We sat perfectly still, enjoying the real world and each others silent company. No words needed to be said. The kiss that we just shared summed up both of our moods and feelings. Her hand was clutched in mine. Our closeness was the most intimate thing either of us has experienced. You could experience a lot in the Oasis, but physically touching another person was probably the most wonderful feeling in the world. I might be bias considering the person in question was the love of my life. I etched Hallidays' advice in my head. I would never live my life alone, like he did. Sam must've sensed my change of thought, because she turned to look at me. So I did the same.

Normally it would be considered "rude" to stare at someone. However, that was what both of us were doing now. It was still strange being face to face with someone you've only interacted with through the Oasis, both of us were unsure if the other would suddenly "log off" and dematerialize out of existence.

I smiled and squeezed her hand a little. "Don't worry," I chuckle. "I'm not going anywhere."

Sam gently pushed into me a little and sighed. "You better not."

Feeling more affectionate I let go of her hand with a little protest but immediately wrap my left arm around her shoulders and pull her closer. She leans into me more and presses her head against my chest, only her dark hair was visible and she took my unused right hand into her smaller ones. Her fingers are smooth and cold. She intertwines them with my larger slightly warmer hand. I could tell that she craved physical touch. Both of us did.

"What now?" Sam whispered, just loud enough so I could hear.

That question popped up in my head often over the last few months. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do after Hallidays' Easter Egg was found. We did talk about what we would do with the money if we ever did win. It all felt like a pipe dream at the time. Now it was reality. Reality, another word that took on a whole different meaning now. Reality used to be simple, when the Oasis was your life. Now my reality was lightly rubbing my hand, it felt very nice. I could get used to this.

"We live." Putting an emphasis on the "We."

Sam looked up and straight into my eyes. "Okay," she said, and gave me the best smile ever. "I'm with you till the end, Z". Then she touched her lips to mine again. We continued to sit in silence indulging in each other presence, It wasn't until I heard the slight snoring and slow steady breathing did I realize that Sam had fallen to sleep. It was the most adorable and endearing thing I've ever seen.

"Sweet dreams love." I softly whispered. Content and happy, I sat in that spot with Sam, contemplating our situation that waited for us.

"Us" Yet another word that took on new meaning. "Yeah," I looked down at a sleeping Art3mis and how peaceful she was. "I can get used to this.

I soon followed Sam into slumber. Dreaming of all the things to come. Oasis or not.

Author notes: Welp, I just listened to the RPO audio book narrated by Wil Wheaton. Duuuude! I can't believe it took me 6 years to get to it. I quickly fell in love with the story and plot. Not to mention the characters. I really like how the Parzival/Art3mis relationship worked. It felt real. I just want to see them happy and together, because they deserve it.

I plan to continue this if I can brainstorm a plot. If I don't then this is a good one-shot. I don't want it to end though. I'm crushing hard on Art3mis just like Parzival did so there's hope.

Please, please, please give me feedback. I don't write often but I do so through passion. I need motivation people. I know you guys are suckers for shipping characters like I am. :)

Happy reading