Ariel’s workday started with the familiar ping of a Zoom call. Jim was already on, mug in hand, ready to tackle the morning’s QA review. They went down the list together, Ariel noting each bug or glitch, offering her solution, and confidently discussing tradeoffs for fixes versus workarounds. Jim asked pointed questions, but more often he just listened, occasionally grinning when Ariel caught edge cases before he could.

  By noon, she was prepping to lead the leadership team meeting. She shared her screen, running through a sharp summary of Act 2’s final polish and laying out the current deadlines and objectives for Act 3. Her voice didn’t waver; her confidence was infectious. Colleagues chimed in with follow-ups, and she fielded them smoothly, never missing a beat, guiding the meeting to a brisk, productive close.

  Afterward, Jim pinged her again for a one-on-one. His background this time was a cozy corner of his home, morning light slanting in behind stacks of books.

  “Any questions, Director?” he teased, but there was real affection in his voice.

  Ariel shook her head, smiling. “Not today. I feel good about where we’re at.”

  He nodded, then just looked at her for a moment. “I ever tell you how proud I am of you?”

  Ariel felt a warmth in her chest that she didn’t need to hide anymore. “You have. But I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”

  Jim’s smile softened, creasing at the corners. “I know it’s a lot, stepping into this seat. But you’ve more than filled it.”

  They talked a little longer, slipping from shop talk into reminiscence: her first months at Willowbound, inside jokes about buggy builds, and the story of how Jim once spilled coffee on his own server rack. Ariel laughed more than she expected.

  Then Jim leaned back in his chair and gave her a look that was both knowing and slightly mischievous. "There's one more area we haven’t touched on yet. The fun part of being the face of the studio."

  Ariel tilted her head. "The face?"

  He nodded. "You’ll be fielding more questions from fans now. Social media threads, Reddit AMAs, press requests. And conventions. We’ll want you doing a few meet and greets, maybe some panels depending on your comfort."

  Ariel kept her expression composed, nodding as she absorbed each word. She had seen Jim do those things before, but it hadn’t occurred to her that stepping into his role meant inheriting that side of the job too. She gave another quiet nod, jotting a note.

  Internally, her stomach fluttered. It wasn’t stage fright exactly, but it wasn’t far off either. The idea of being public-facing in that way, open to thousands of eyes and questions, was daunting. She preferred carefully worded emails and detailed feedback threads. Public spotlights were something else entirely.

  Still, she met Jim’s gaze and gave a small, confident smile. "Got it. I’ll start preparing for that too."

  Jim grinned, as if he could sense the nerves and trusted her anyway. "You’ll be great. Just be yourself. That’s more than enough."

  When the call ended, she still felt steady, even a little buoyant. This new aspect of her job gave her a little pause, but she was more than ready for what the rest of the week would bring.

  At Java Junction, the scent of espresso already thick in the air as Holly unlocked the back door and stepped inside. Her long cardigan swished behind her as she walked in, hair in a loose bun, earbuds playing the end of some 90s anime outro she hadn’t been able to shake all week.

  Lila was already there.

  Holly spotted her crouched in front of the pastry display, restocking lemon-poppy muffins with the focus of a jeweler setting stones. Her pink hair was pulled back with a little navy ribbon, and she wore a soft green dress under a chunky knit cardigan, one of her quieter outfits, but still unmistakably Lila.

  "Morning, Lil," Holly called as she pulled off her coat, her voice bright with affection.

  Lila looked up, already blushing. "Morning."

  "You sleep at all?" Holly asked, making a beeline for the espresso machine.

  "A little," Lila said, standing and smoothing her skirt. "Not much."

  Holly raised an eyebrow. "Because of nerves? Or because you were up texting a certain charming, curly-haired art nerd?"

  Lila ducked her head, cheeks going pink. "Maybe both."

  "Oh my god," Holly grinned, flipping on the milk steamer. "You have to tell me everything. Right now. Before the shop fills with people and I can’t interrogate you."

  Lila wrung her hands in her cardigan sleeves, but her smile was soft. "It wasn’t really a date."

  Holly gave her a look. "You went to an art exhibit. Together. After she said she thought of you when she saw the paintings. It’s a date, Lil. It’s just a Marissa-style date."

  Lila bit her lip, then let out a breath and leaned back against the counter. "Okay, maybe it was a little date. We walked through the exhibit, and she kept asking what I thought of everything. I told her about brush technique and the way some artists layer color to make the light feel... warm."

  Holly faked swooning. "You went full pastel professor on her, didn’t you?"

  Lila giggled. "She liked it. She said she could listen to me talk about colors forever."

  "Ugh," Holly groaned happily. "You’re killing me."

  "We got cocoa after," Lila admitted, her voice dropping. "She bought me a tiny lemon tart. And she said she had a really good time."

  Holly clutched her heart like she was physically wounded. "Did she walk you home? Did she kiss you goodnight? Did she hold your hand?"

  Lila’s blush deepened. "No kiss. Not yet. But we hugged. And she lingered, like she almost… I don’t know. Thought about it."

  "She’s pacing herself," Holly nodded, approving. "Slow burn. Classic Marissa. She's respectful but flirty. She wants to build it right."

  Lila looked down, fidgeting with a napkin. "I’m scared I’ll mess it up."

  Holly’s expression softened as she stepped closer. "You won’t. You’re careful and sweet and genuine. Just keep showing her you, and she’ll fall even harder."

  Lila nodded, visibly trying to absorb the reassurance.

  "Oh!" she added suddenly, glancing around. "She’s coming by today. Said she might swing in around ten."

  Holly blinked. "This morning?"

  Lila nodded, then panicked. "Is that okay? Should I change? Is my cardigan too much? Should I redo the pastry display?"

  Holly took her gently by the shoulders. "Hey. Breathe. You look great. You’re doing great. And if you start reorganizing that display again, I will sit you in the back with a scone until you calm down."

  Lila let out a breathy laugh. "Okay. Okay."

  Holly grinned. "Now. Let’s get this place humming before your girlfriend walks in and catches you looking flustered in front of the quiche."

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  Lila opened her mouth to protest, "She’s not my-" but Holly was already back at the register, flipping the open sign to face the street.

  By the time Holly got home, the last light was draining from the sky, painting the city in deep blue and gold. She pushed the door open, stomping off her boots, and before she even had a chance to call out, Ariel was already moving toward her, a radiant, bouncing presence in cozy leggings and a big sweater, her smile wide enough to fill the whole apartment.

  Holly had barely set her bag down before Ariel barreled into her, arms flung around Holly’s neck, peppering her with a quick, excited kiss. The force of Ariel’s soft weight sent them both stumbling back a step, Holly laughing as she caught herself against the doorframe.

  “Whoa!” Holly giggled, catching her breath as she hugged Ariel close. “You trying to bowl me over, Red?”

  Ariel grinned, her cheeks flushed and eyes shining. “Can’t help it. I missed you.”

  Holly melted instantly, brushing a kiss to Ariel’s temple. “Missed you too. You look like you had a killer day.”

  Ariel practically vibrated as she slipped her arms around Holly’s waist, steering them both toward the kitchen. “I did! Jim and I handled all the QA stuff this morning. He barely had to say anything. And the leadership meeting? Nailed it. Even Abigail sent a ‘great job’ emoji in the chat. I think the team’s finally stopped looking at me like I’m going to explode.”

  Holly beamed, squeezing Ariel’s hip as they started prepping dinner. “I knew you could do it. Big Boss Energy.” She grabbed a cutting board, sliding vegetables out of the fridge. “Did Jim give you a hard time, or was he in full Proud Dad Mode?”

  “Oh, full Dad Mode,” Ariel snorted, starting to chop onions with swift, practiced hands. “We talked about the old days for a while. He told me I’d ‘changed the seat,’ which I think is the highest praise he knows how to give.”

  “Damn right you did,” Holly said, bumping Ariel with her hip. “You should see how you talk in meetings now. Like you’re running the whole damn industry. I wish I could show that to the Ariel at the beginning of our relationship.”

  Ariel smirked. “She’d probably pass out.”

  “Maybe. But then she’d wake up and realize she was hot and brilliant and had a girlfriend who’s making her dinner.”

  Ariel laughed, flicking a piece of chopped carrot at Holly. “You’re just saying that because you want me to make the sauce tonight.”

  “I will always hype you up for food,” Holly declared, starting to brown the chicken in a skillet. “Especially when you do that thing with the garlic.”

  Ariel feigned a dramatic sigh. “You know me too well.”

  They worked side by side, Ariel stirring, Holly taste-testing, the conversation moving to Lila and Marissa.

  “So how was it with Lila today?” Ariel asked, setting the pasta water to boil.

  Holly grinned, eyes softening. “Good. Really good. We talked a lot. Apparently her date with Marissa went really well. They even…” Holly looked around playfully, “...hugged”

  Ariel gasped, stifling a laugh. “Oh my! In public?”

  Both buckled a little with laughter before Holly continued. “It all sounded so sweet. Lila said she could feel Marissa linger in the hug like she was considering a kiss.”

  Ariel’s giddy smile softened. “That’s amazing. I’m really happy for them.”

  Holly chuckled as she peeled potatoes. “Also, Lila is under the impression that Marissa isn’t her girlfriend yet, so naturally-”

  “-Naturally, we bring it up in front of Lila at every available moment,” Ariel grinned, finishing Holly’s sentence. “You’re a bad influence, Violet.”

  “That’s the best kind, Red,” Holly replied, booping Ariel on the nose before sliding a baby carrot in Ariel’s mouth.

  Dinner was comfort food at its best: roast chicken with herbs, pillowy mashed potatoes, and buttery green beans and carrots. Ariel and Holly sat close at the kitchen table, the warm light above giving everything a cozy, golden glow. Between mouthfuls, the apartment echoed with the clatter of serving spoons and their laughter.

  Holly was halfway through her second helping when she leaned over, grinning. “You know, if you keep looking at the potatoes like that, I’m gonna think you’re plotting something.”

  Ariel smirked, swirling her fork in the bowl. “I’m considering a coup. If I run Willowbound, surely I deserve a potato empire.”

  “Oh, the power’s going to your head already, Director McIntyre.” Holly picked up a forkful of chicken and playfully fed it to Ariel. “What’s your first decree?”

  Ariel chewed, pretending to ponder. “Unlimited breakfast for all. And… mandatory plushies at every desk.”

  “Finally, real leadership,” Holly said, beaming. “Can I be in charge of the plushy budget?”

  “Only if you promise not to blow it all on chubby foxes and magical girl pillows.”

  Holly clutched her chest dramatically. “That’s profiling. What the hell else am I going to buy?”

  They laughed for a bit until they both settled into the satisfying quiet that comes with being utterly at home.

  Ariel’s tone shifted a little.

  “There was something Jim said today that… well, it’s sticking with me.”

  Holly glanced up from her plate, giving Ariel her full attention. “What is it?”

  Ariel set her fork down, fingers tapping lightly on the table. “He was running through all the ‘new director stuff.’ And apparently, part of the job is fielding questions from fans. You know, interviews, Reddit AMAs, maybe even convention panels. We have John, the Community Manager, and he’ll handle most things, but if a question stumps him, or if it’s something only I should answer, it’ll end up on my plate. Like, next week. And… it just feels different than anything I’ve done.”

  Holly picked up on the note of concern in Ariel’s voice. She slid another forkful of potatoes onto Ariel’s plate, nudging her with a gentle smile. “You nervous?”

  Ariel shook her head, but her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty. “Not exactly. It’s not the speaking. I’m over that. But… those answers represent the company. It’s my name out there now. People will quote what I say. And the players…God, they’re so passionate. They pick up on every word.”

  Holly rested her chin on her hand, studying Ariel. “Red, you got here by being yourself. The company promoted you because you care about people. That comes through in everything you do. And honestly? Players want to know there are real humans making the games they love…or even the ones they’re mad at. Just let that show.”

  Ariel smiled a little, taking a bite as Holly reached over and fed her another piece of chicken, gentle and unhurried.

  Holly continued, her voice soft but full of conviction. “The best devs are the ones who don’t act like PR robots. People love when someone answers honestly, even if it’s ‘I can’t share that yet, but I’m excited for when I can.’ You’ve got a great sense of humor, and you never fake it. That’s what makes you good at this.”

  Ariel relaxed, her posture loosening as she chewed thoughtfully. “I guess it’s just one of those things that doesn’t feel real until you’re staring at it. Like, ‘Hey, you’re the voice now.’”

  “Well,” Holly said, “you can practice on me. Throw your toughest fan questions at me, and I’ll pretend to be the world’s most passionate player.”

  Ariel’s eyes danced. “Alright. ‘When will we get raccoon mount DLC?’”

  Holly gasped in mock outrage. “How dare you withhold the people’s raccoon mounts!”

  They both burst out laughing, the weight in the air lightening.

  Ariel leaned closer, voice low and warm. “Thank you. I needed that.”

  Holly squeezed her hand. “You’ll crush it, Red. You always do. And if you ever need a hype woman… you know where to find me.”

  Dinner stretched on with playful “press conference” jokes and more bites exchanged, until the plates were empty and Ariel’s confidence felt a little fuller, nourished by good food, laughter, and the unwavering presence of her girl.

  After dinner, Ariel stretched in her chair, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips. She watched Holly stack the plates, then gave her a small, mischievous smile. “Hey, actually…I have something for you to sign.”

  Holly arched a brow, curious. “Am I finally getting that exclusive plushy rights contract?”

  Ariel rolled her eyes, pushing herself up from her chair. She slid off and waddled over to her laptop on the side table, her steps slow and deliberate from her fullness.

  Holly watched her go, grinning. “That waddle gets cuter every week, Red. One of these days I’m going to buy you a bell.”

  Ariel shot back over her shoulder, “If you do, I’ll jingle every time you so much as look away from me.”

  Holly cackled, shaking her head as Ariel tapped away, then sent something to the printer with a flourish. A minute later, Ariel returned, paper and pen in hand. She handed them to Holly, a little spark of anticipation in her eyes.

  “It’s an NDA,” Ariel explained, sliding the document across the table. “With a new clause. See, the NDA I signed when I joined Willowbound didn’t have a household exception because I didn’t have a ‘household’ then. Now I do. So, I asked legal to draft an update. It says anyone who’s part of my household is allowed to know anything about games in development, even the stuff that isn’t public… but you can’t share it with anyone outside our little nest.”

  Holly’s eyes went glossy, her lips trembling in a smile as she blinked away a few emotional tears. She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Wow. Household, huh? You sure you’re not just angling for a live-in taste tester?”

  Ariel snorted, reaching for a hug. “You’re not getting rid of me. Unless, of course, you want me to go back to living at my place?”

  Holly instantly pulled her into a tight embrace. “Absolutely not. I’d lose half my pantry and all of my best snuggles.”

  They lingered there, soft and wrapped around each other, before Holly signed the NDA with a flourish. “There. Official. Now I can pester you for every secret you’re not supposed to tell anyone.”

  Ariel signed below Holly’s name, their signatures nestled together. They smiled, sharing a slow, sweet kiss before Ariel padded back to the printer, scanning and emailing the document off to Abigail with a satisfied click.

  Holly watched her, her gaze drifting to the window where the little green Junimo sat. Ariel’s quiet mark of home. She remembered the day she’d asked Ariel to come stay with her during her recovery, how she’d known even then, deep in her heart, that she’d never ask her to leave.

  She smiled to herself, content and utterly sure that their little household was the start of everything she’d ever hoped for.