Chapter Text
Your laughter bubbled up, escaping your lips as the character swerved on the track. To reach your subscriber goal, you have decided to let your followers vote on what game to try next. Knowing your luck, you should have expected them to pick the racing game with the biggest learning curve.
You struggled to suppress a snort when your character almost reared off the track again. When you glanced over, you saw the chat flooding with comments when your eyes landed on one in particular.
The moment you saw that username, however, you could not hold it in anymore and had to physically stop playing the game so you could catch your breath.
“You know what, Bootyshaker NINE THOUSAND!? Brushing past the fact that you willingly chose to insult me, knowing fully well that this is my first time playing- ego not bruised, I swear,” you looked up pretending to blink away tears, “Chat, can we just get a moment to appreciate and truly bask in the beauty of that user name tho? I would love to pick the mind of the kind of person who comes up with usernames like that and truly know what the thought process was to create such gold,”
By the time you had finally looked back over to the chat, you had realized they were exploring in your defense.
“Shoot… hey, guys, be nice. It's all in the name of good fun, no harm, no foul. I don't need anyone coming to my defense over a silly comment that I personally found to be extremely funny.”
While chat hadn't fully calmed down, a lot of them moved on to focus more on praising your improvement with the game and encouraging each other's insanity. You just brushed the whole thing off and enjoyed finally getting the hang of the controls.
By the end of the stream, you had finally started getting pretty good at some of the tracks. You said good night and wished your viewers well before signing off. You stared at the screen for a moment. God, it was late. In one motion, you leaned back in your chair and placed your headset on the desk mat.
You looked up at the ceiling. The lights from your setup allowed you to make out some of the divots and ridges of your popcorn ceiling. You closed your eyes.
The streams a week. It was so much more work than you were expecting, but it would get easier once you were making enough to quit your job. Despite not having a full idea of the direction you wanted your life to go in, you knew you wanted to chase that love for games.
You were thankful for your supportive roommate, despite always being wrapped up in her own wakey adventures, she had never failed to love and support your dreams. You glanced over at your door. It was nice not to be so alone anymore.
By the time you were starting your next stream, the funny username had completely slipped your mind. The second you signed on, you were quickly met with even more viewers than normal, especially for this early in the stream. You were a little surprised but happily carried on.
You started up your game and started playing. You were mainly just goofing off, but you had hit a wall and couldn't figure out how to get further in the game.
There was a fair amount of suggestions in chat, so you decided to quickly skim through them. Your eyes landed on a comment that jogged your memory.
Bootyyyshaker900: You were just on your way back to the caves to get more iron. How could you have possibly gotten distracted so quickly? (sigh while rolling eyes)
Did… did they just put an action in parentheses? Wait- HOW COULD I HAVE MISSED THAT! For a moment, everyone thought you were going to fall out of your chair. It was so in your face the entire time. You were literally on your way to the cave, but got distracted by an NPC. If you hadn't gotten distracted, then this dweeb wouldn't have every right to call you out on your stupidity.
“ I have to go back to the caves.” determination is now evident in your voice. When you gleaned back over to chat, you saw another comment.
Were they seriously criticizing you right now? Why were they typing like that? No one born after the 90s writes like that. With how oddly formal it was written, it felt like they were giving you a professional review and then a rude comment. Despite how chill you try to be, it still got under your skin a little, and you weren't sure why.
You tried to continue the stream and forget about them but when you glanced back over to chat you were met with another comment.
Bootyyyshaker9000: Once again I'm watching an absolute imbecile attempting to game. You have to go behind the bush and drop down to get the chest. (Shakes head disappointedly)
This time there was no stopping chat, damage controller was truly out of the question. The entire chat for several scrolls was filled with so many comments mostly coming to your defense.
The whole point of layback streams was to create a cozy environment for people to be able to relax in the background or just relax. It also tended to keep you out of trouble with anyone. But you should have expected that your chill-back demeanor would lead to many people more than willing to come to your defense at the drop of a hay and they sis exactly that. You knew you still needed to respond however and see what you could save for that environment you had worked so hard to create. You figured relying on humor would allow you to do just that.
“Heh wow gee, thanks Bootyshaker9000l, I think the actions tagged on the end truly made the message conveyed perfectly” Your voice was practically bubbling with laughter and sarcasm, “but in all seriousness that was very helpful.” you still aren't over that name. Your response seemed to have calmed down chat for the most part with many praising you for how you handled it but some more extremes wanted to band them for ruining the mood.
Surely enough you found the chest where he said it would be, But to say the comments were not getting on your nurse a little would be a lie. At least they were still always useful. You weren't sure how you felt about them potentially becoming a more common occurrence, especially with how everyone in chat always reacted.
Bootyyyshaker9000: How did you not see it, it was to your left near the rocks. (Sighs in exasperation)
Bootyyyshaker9000: You’re an even bigger idiot than I thought if you think that's enough iron. Scoff
Bootyyyshaker9000: You should be getting supplies not goofing off like an IQ-less fool with the plants (Said disapprovingly)
Bootyyyshaker9000: For the love of Galileo himself I thought you are better than this, USERNAME_LOADING (Said disappointedly)
Of Course, you were right to think this was going to become a common occurrence because that was really just the start. At this point, you were getting pretty used to the occasional rude but helpful comments. So when you started your stream you didn't give out a second thought.
You had gotten pretty far into your stream when you paused to take a sip of your drink and looked over to chat. You went through responding to the comments thanking them for the kind words.
Bootyyyshaker9000: Your inability to pause a game or get to a safe place before having a discussion with a chat is depressing. (shakes head)
“Oh shoot!” you turned to your game screen and saw your character about to die and quickly saved yourself. “ Sigh ,” you had officially made yourself look like an idiot, an even bigger one than usual.
The rest of the stream you pretended to laugh it off but it had bugged you. You weren't the best gamer by far, your biggest selling point being your interactions with your viewers, but this really stung. Now you just looked like an idiot who can't even play a video game without screwing up.
When the stream ended you were able to calm yourself down a little and took some time picking up old dishes while you tried to relax. You abandoned the computer to get rid of them, not bothering to turn it off. You quietly made your way past your roommate's room in an attempt to not wake her up. You put the dishes in the way and cleaned up the counters while you were at it.
Upon returning with a new hot drink you sat down at your desk only to see a new notification from Discord.
1 NEW FRIEND REQUEST: Bootyyyshaker9000
Your eyes widened in disbelief. There was no way. Must have read it at least 5 times before finally believing it. Bro actually friended you on Discord after a month of being sassy in your chat.
You must have debated it for a few seconds before deciding it was too funny to pass up.
Are you still mad? Yes
Did you want to chew him out? A little
Did you think this was the funniest thing ever and your roommate would kill you if you passed this up? Absolutely
So it was settled, You hit accept.
Bootyyyshaker9000: Once again I'm watching an absolute imbecile attempting to game. You have to go behind the bush and drop down to get the chest. (Shakes head disappointedly)
This time there was no stopping chat, damage controller was truly out of the question. The entire chat for several scrolls was filled with so many comments mostly coming to your defense.
The whole point of layback streams was to create a cozy environment for people to be able to relax in the background or just relax. It also had the tendency to keep you out of trouble with anyone. But you should have expected that your chill-back demeanor would lead to many people more than willing to come to your defense at the drop of a hay and they sis exactly that. You knew you still needed to respond however and see what you could save for that environment you had worked so hard to create. You figured relying on humor would allow you to do just that.
“Heh wow gee, thanks Bootyshaker9000l, I think the actions tagged on the end truly made the message conveyed perfectly” Your voice was practically bubbling with laughter and sarcasm, “but in all seriousness that was very helpful.” you still aren't over that name. Your response seemed to have calmed down chat for the most part with many praising you for how you handled it but some more extremes wanted to band them for ruining the mood.
Surely enough you found the chest where he said it would be, But to say the comments were not getting on your nurse a little would be a lie. At least they were still always useful. You weren't sure how you felt about them potentially becoming a more common occurrence, especially with how everyone in chat always reacted.
Bootyyyshaker9000: How did you not see it, it was to your left near the rocks. (Sighs in exasperation)
Bootyyyshaker9000: You’re an even bigger idiot than I thought if you think that's enough iron. Scoff
Bootyyyshaker9000: You should be getting supplies not goofing off like an IQ-less fool with the plants (Said disapprovingly)
Bootyyyshaker9000: For the love of Galileo himself I thought you are better than this, USERNAME_LOADING (Said disappointedly)
Of Course, you were right to think this was going to become a common occurrence because that was really just the start. At this point, you were getting pretty used to the occasional rude but helpful comments. So when you started your stream you didn't give out a second thought.
You had gotten pretty far into your stream when you paused to take a sip of your drink and looked over to chat. You went through responding to the comments thanking them for the kind words.
Bootyyyshaker9000: Your inability to pause a game or get to a safe place before having a discussion with chat is depressing. (shakes head)
“Oh shoot!” you turned to your game screen and saw your character about to die and quickly saved yourself. “ Sigh ,” you had officially made yourself look like an idiot, an even bigger one than usual.
The rest of the stream you pretended to laugh it off but it had really bugged you. You weren't the best gamer by far, your biggest selling point being your interactions with your viewers, but this really stung. Now you just looked like an idiot who can't even play a video game without screwing up.
When the stream ended you were able to calm yourself down a little and took some time picking up old dishes while you tried to relax. You abandoned the computer to get rid of them, not bothering to turn it off. You quietly made your way past your roommate's room in an attempt to not wake her up. You put the dishes in the way and cleaned up the counters while you were at it.
Upon returning with a new hot drink you sat down at your desk only to see a new notification from Discord.
1 NEW FRIEND REQUEST: Bootyyyshaker9000
Your eyes widened in disbelief. There was no way. Must have read it at least 5 times before finally believing it. Bro actually friended you on Discord after a month of being sassy in your chat.
You must have debated it for a few seconds before deciding it was too funny to pass up.
Are you still mad? Yes
Did you want to chew him out? A little
Did you think this was the funniest thing ever and your roommate would kill you if you passed this up? Absolutely
So it was settled,
Bootyyyshker9000: I honestly didn’t expect you to accept my friend request.
Username_Loading: I figured that this would at least be entertaining :)
Bootyyyshker9000: Fair enough.
Username_Loading: Sooooo why did you friend me?
Bootyyyshker9000: I have my reasons.
Username_Loading: Which are?
Bootyyyshker9000: For me to know.
*(In all reality, at this point it time Donatello had no real reasons ._.)*
Username_Loading: Okaaaay? Bit wack won't lie
Bootyyyshker9000: You have to admit you’re terrible at staying focused. How could you forget you were actively gaming?
Username_Loading: Honestly idk how I even managed that lol
I'm pretty bad at keeping track of everything all at once lol
Bootyyyshker9000: So you aren't even gonna deny it or play it off as a one-time thing?
Username_Loading: Pfff no im self-aware
Bootyyyshker9000:Perhaps I should have given you more credit
Username_Loading: Really should have
Bootyyyshker9000: You're not funny (rolls eyes)
Username_Loading: You are literally typing out actions
Bootyyyshker9000: You need to know the gravity of what I'm saying. Providing context in conversations is important, even more so when you can't see the other person’s body language or hear their tone of voice.
Username_Loading: You had me scared for a second there
Thought you were typing a whole paragraph lol
Bootyyyshker9000: Once again (rolls eyes)
Username_Loading: Ok ok I won't ruin your fun
Bootyyyshker9000: …
You're incredibly ridiculous, you know that?
Username_Loading: Says the guy using proper punctuation while texting a random streamer for undisclosed reasons
Bootyyyshker9000: It's not necessary information for you
Username_Loading: Well can I at least get a name or is that a secret too?
Bootyyyshker9000: …
Donatello
Username_Loading: Nice name
Bootyyyshker9000: Thank you
Username_Loading: :)
So what do you think of my streams?
Bootyyyshker9000: They would be better if you weren't constantly distracted.
Username_Loading: Is it that bad?
Bootyyyshker9000: It's mainly a matter of it impacting the actual gameplay but I understand the focus is more rooted in community and providing a relaxing environment.
Username_Loading: Well at least ya get the point of it
Bootyyyshker9000: I still don't know it. I'd trust you operating a motorized vehicle based on your inability to follow the road and how frequently you get distracted.
Username_Loading: are you gonna keep installing me or do you wanna play a game before I abandon you for slumber
Bootyyyshker9000:That's acceptable, would you care for Stardew Valley?
Username_Loading: I would love that :)
It was awkward at first, you two alone on a Discord call waiting for the other person to start talking.
“So… what's your steam account?” you hoped he couldn't hear the nerves in your voice. You rarely ever gamed with another person online and when you did it was on stream and never on one, not to mention the fact that you weren't just talking through a public chat. The only person you ever really gamed with like this was in person and she was your roommate not so random person from your stream.
“Its the same as my discord,”
“Oh- okay, should have guessed heh,” You laughed trying to lighten up the mood. His voice wasn’t what you were expecting. He sounded calm and collected but his voice wasn't as deep as you thought it would be and on top of that he sounded to be around your age. Honestly, he was significantly less intimidating now.
Donnie waited to be added to the farm you were making, shifting in his seat a little. What was he doing? Did he friend you? And you accepted his friend request? YOU are a popular streamer. YOU his FAVORITE STREAMER accepted his friend request. Why? You don't go around accepting everyone's request, and it wasn’t like he was the nicest commenter. So why? What could you possibly be gaining from this? It just didn't make any sense to him.
A notification popped onto His screen.
“I added you,” you said, taking a sip of your drink and leaning back into your chair.
“I see,”
The two of you started gaming not saying much outside of a few plans for your farm and your you were going to go about it.
“So how was your day?” Donnie didn't have any idea what he was doing. He felt weird for asking since. He had just spent three hours watching them on stream but he figured they were still living a life outside of that so it probably was the most socially acceptable thing for him to do.
“Good,” you paused, “The stream went well and work was usual so it definitely wasn't bad,” You still haven't decided how much you wanted to tell the person but you figured veg information wouldn’t hurt.
“I'm glad to hear that,” Donnie was trying to sound the most normal he had ever been in his entire life and had absolutely no clue what he was doing.
“What about your day?” Your words pulled him away from his thoughts.
“Oh it was good, stream was good” That was it? ‘Stream was good’ Who talks like that? Donnie didn't know what else he should or could say. How could a person like you relate to a mutant ninja like him?
“Even though I was acting like an idiot on your stream? A part of me thought you were gonna give me an entire review the second we were on call,” you laughed, you were already picking his profile pic next to a whiteboard. What did he look like?
“Oh uhh no? NO, I was-am not here to just give you a review on your stream but I did think it was relevant information that you needed to know,” GOD DAMN IT DONATELLO HAMATO WHAT IN THE URANIUM ARE YOU DOING!? YOU” RE GOING TO BLOW YOUR CHANCE! They're gonna hate you forever! T^T
“Pff ha,” you tried to hold it back but a snort escaped you, he sounded adoring frantically stumbling over his words like that. And you thought you were a dork.
“WaIt whAt!?” He clamped a hand over his mouth. Out of franticness and confusion, his voice cracked, only further embarrassing him even more, “Why are you laughing? What did I say?” Why were they laughing at him? Did they realize how weird he was? His voice hadn't cracked like that in like three years, so why was it betraying him now?
You felt so bad because you didn't mean to laugh and now he was upset with you. You had to fix this, you needed more friends. “ I'm sorry I wasn't laughing at you, I'm just laughing because I really felt like I was just making a fool out of myself and I guess you just make me feel like a normal person and less of a dork. Does that make sense?” You were praying he wasn't still offended. \
“Oh… I thought I was waking an idiot out of myself,” Donnie was seconds away from smashing his head into his keyboard for reacting like that. He was better than this and he needed to get his act together.
Despite you both acting like fools you guys were able to act normal again and found that you had a lot of fun gaming together. You both had a lot more in common than you thought. Your banter felt great and came naturally. Despite your differences in gaming styles it ended up working out because you both got to enjoy your favorite tasks in the game and divided the work evenly. A few harmless jabs here and there broke up any awkward tension and everything was genuinely relaxing, like gaming with an old friend.
You both must have been playing for hours because you were up past one. You promised to make time to hang with him the next day insisting that you just had to tend to your chickens, and he said how much he couldn’t wait.