Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rain tapped along the windows, shuttering the car.

Camila watched along the car window, shifting her body to more of the backseat. She took a deep breath, with a swift exhale through the nostrils.

She wore casual attire, a bright pink hoodie with bright pink sweats…

Yeah… not so casual. She wouldn’t have regretted it had it not been pouring rain.

Vedal’s latest subathon was huge. Last time, They broke the hype train record, placing themselves at a level 111 hype train.

Then, Two years after the Neuro’s hype train broke records… The throne was overtaken by another large streamer by 13 levels.

The fun was good while it lasted, but Vedal wanted to feel the rush again.

A year after that, Vedal organized another subathon. 

Breaking the Twitch hype train record the streamer set, was it even possible?

Level 162.

By the end of the hype subathon, the highest hype train was 162.

Not only shattering the original record, but placing himself on a platform that wouldn’t be touched in years…

He wanted to drink to it, or at the very least have a small party with his friends to celebrate the achievement.

However, (whatever the britain equivalent of lady luck is) wasn’t on his side this time.

Anny was away, telling him she wished she could come, but was busy with her latest model debut.

Filian was on a vacation/hiatus, having fractured one of her bones after misaligning herself on a skateboard trick.

Though, like a bright star peering itself into the night sky, someone was willing to visit.

Camila.

Camila had a ticket to the UK in order to meet a friend. However the friend realized only after purchasing the ticket, the friend needed to go somewhere else as a part of their work.

Camila went to the UK anyway, hoping to have the Tutel himself guide her.

The thought of an IRL stream being possible excited her.

But, it was when she arrived at the airport–did she see the DM from Vedal to come over for the subathon celebration. 

Vedal had never asked for anyone to come over… ever! If she wanted to meet in person, now would be the best time. She couldn’t miss it.

After arriving at the UK airport and soon after getting an Uber, landed her in this current situation. The sounds of rain tapping against the window echoed into her mind as she was on track to meet with Vedal.

The rain started to grow heavy, and it was growing darker than expected. Sadly, the Uber stopped in its tracks.

“Aw, piss.” The driver cursed.

Camila perked her head up. “Something wrong?” 

The driver sighed, brushing his thumb against his beard. “Out of fuel... I’m fine with walking to the nearest gas station, but with you… Well, It’s not like I can just leave you here…”

Camila took her eyes to the car window, the rain pouring down. 

“The place I need to go is around here anyway. Thank you.” Camila took her stuff from the backseat and took herself out of the car.

As soon as she poked her head out, it started to get wet from the cold rain. It was going to be an issue if she couldn’t find Vedal’s place soon.

“Wait a minute.” The driver's head poked up, rolling down the window. 

Camila turned to him and noticed him take out a five pound note.

She was unfamiliar with how conversion worked for money, so she declined. “No thank you..”

“I insist, I have a hard time with not paying back what I should have done. It’s just how I operate. Please, take it to smooth this old man’s soul.” The man spoke weirdly, but it didn’t make Camila uncomfortable. 

He was an honest man, having honest eyes fit for stories

“If you say so.” Camila gave off a small smile and took the 5 pounds, sliding it into one of the pockets of her hoodie.

“Be safe out there.” was all she heard as she went on her own path.

-

It was cold… REALLY cold. 

She barely managed to find the door to Vedal’s apartment after fifteen minutes in the rain.

The connection she had on her phone was already irritating to deal with. The rain didn’t help, having to shelter her phone with her already cold body in order to text Vedal.

She finally got a response from him, asking what the number for his door was since she couldn’t find it. The streets were fogged up and she was still getting wet.

As much as she wanted to look at the views that Vedal boasted so much about, now wasn’t the time!

Camila got a look of the views of the street as she was walking up to the front door. The aesthetic view of the lamp posts along the street, peering through the fog. It warmed up her heart despite the cold surrounding her body. 

She was starting to realize what Vedal was talking about, giving into more curiosity. 

She suddenly sneezed. She was definitely getting a cold, which sucked. It would be time to bug him for some medicine too.

The door opened a moment after she rang the doorbell, interrupting her thoughts.

It was Vedal on the other end. 

He took one look at her and forcefully brought her inside, like it was a subconscious reaction. 

“Fuck, you’re soaked. How was it out there? Vedal already hated himself for making Camila go though that. 

Camila chuckled to herself, and started to tease him. “So forceful with me, is Tutel becoming more aggressive with girls now?”

However Vedal responded more seriously. “I can’t get you sick, that’s going to look bad on me. This was a thing I was looking forward to after all.”

Camila wiped her nose, “Well, I’m here now right? No amount of cold and rain could stop me after all.”

Vedal deadpanned. “You’re sick…” He sighed, as if already seeing through her lies.

“Uhm…” She rubbed the back of head but didn’t give eye contact to Vedal.

Vedal sighed. “It’s okay, I got a fireplace. I'll be in the living room.” Vedal gave off a small smile and turned away to head into the living room.

Camila didn’t rush, but took her time to look at the house.

It was nice and evenly cleaned. As if Vedal did everything to make sure it looked good. She stood in front of the shoe rack, so she set her shoes down next to Vedal’s.

There were a few paintings. However there was an obvious spot where a picture was there.

She took a mental note for it, but moved along.

His home was cosy, making her feel more comfortable. Walking to the room where Vedal left, she found him throwing firewood in a decently sized fireplace. Placed in the corner of the room with a couch on the wall next to it.

A nice carpet laid in front of the couch along with a wooden table that seemed homemade. The couch itself had a lime-green color to it, but it seemed old. So the color was more grey-ish.The couch also had some flower patterns on it, but she didn’t bring it more thought.

This was definitely cozy… like how a living room is. She definitely felt more alive... So it lived up to its name.

Vedal lit a match and threw it in. It started to burn slowly.

Vedal turned to find her staring back, he noticed she was still wearing the wet clothes. “Heat won't help if you’re drenched in cold clothing. I can give you some of my clothes if you wish.”

Sharing clothes was going to be… weird, however he really didn’t seem to have any weird ideas. Besides, this was Vedal she was thinking about.

“If you insist, then I'll wear some boy clothes. I won't tell anyone about any thigh highs or skirts I find” Camila gave off a small grin, with Vedal coming up to her in speaking distance.

“Not guilty of any of that, besides... The rain was really bad this time, are you actually feeling well or anything? It's not like my cabinet isn’t empty of medicine.” Vedal asked, he visually looked bummed out. 

“Not yet, I’m doing fine Tutel. Don’t get yourself in a twist because of me.” She gave a smooth smile. “Now, I need some clothes. Could you guide me?”

Vedal nodded. “Right.. Right… Come with me.”

He walked past her, Camila following after. Exiting the living room, they walked over to a small hallway.

Vedal took his hand onto a white door in the small hallway. “Laundry is here, I just finished it so I had some nice clothes to wear. But I can’t change into it now. Since you’re my friend, just grab whatever is comfortable.”

“Oh Vedal.. You sure you think of us as just friends? When did you care about what a girl thinks? Ooh… maybe y-” 

“Shut up.. Just get dressed. You can leave your clothes in the washer, I'll clean them before you go.” Vedal turned back into the hallway hiding his face. Definitely feeling a bit embarrassed to get exposed.

“Cute..” Camila said under her breath before taking herself inside the room.

Vedal walked back by himself, holding his head in place. He really felt all over the place. He would have thought this was him while drinking, but that wasn’t the case.

After finding himself back in the living room, he sat down on the couch. The rain tapped along the balcony window, ringing out to the small apartment.

Camila on the other hand was exploring the clean clothes. She then found a t-shirt that had piqued her interest. It was a simple Grey t-shirt. It felt familiar to Camila, so she took it to wear.

She grabbed a matching Grey sweat pants and began changing.

Stripping herself of the drenched attire, She dumped them into the washer. She configured it before it started, and began to wash.

Camila breathed out, and got dressed with Vedals clothes. The t-shirt was loose on her torso, but the sweats fit well.

Now that she was dressed, she left the room. Closing the white door behind her.

It took a second to see the hallway surroundings. There were three other doors that led to other rooms.

Glazing her hand across the white hallway walls, she made her way back to the living room.

Camila entered swiftly with the walking of her feet, and Vedal looked up.

Before Camila could tease him for looking at Her, he commented first.

“My clothes fit you like a glove, I wonder how you managed to find my main shirt. I didn't clean that one yet, I can go get you a different one.” Vedal sat up and turned to her. The fireplace warmed her up when she entered.

“It's… fine. I can deal with it. We are friends after all.” Camila didn't tease, but she gave a thumbs up to Vedal. 

He gave off a small smile and sat down. “Come sit down, I have the drinks.”

“Drinks?” Camila tilted her head in confusion.

Vedal pulled up a bottle of banana rum.

“Ahh I get it, you're going to get me drunk and then take advantage of me. I should leave…!” 

“As if anyone would wanna take advantage of you.”

“What did you say!?” Camila pointed her finger to Vedal. “You must be some kind of weirdo, Tutel!” Camila tapped along the carpet floor before sitting down next to Vedal on the opposite side of the couch.

“Give me one.” Camila extended her hand, and Vedal accepted.

“Whoever gets drunk first is the real weirdo.” Vedal smirked, causing Camila to grin back.

“Really? I'm a master at my resistance to alcohol! Even since the last time I had some on stream, I started to train. So many sleepless nights… this time… I'm cracking the hardshell of this femboy turtle..” Camila finished her small speech, popped open the bottle and started to drink.

Vedal drank from shot glasses, since in the long run one of them had to make sure the drunk one was okay.

However… In the future, he wondered how different his life would have been had he not suggested the challenge.

-

Camila is completely pissed drunk. How she managed to drink enough bottles to drown a man… he didn’t know. 

Was it funny to look at? Definitely.

She can barely keep herself up straight, Vedal kept grinning to himself at the state Camila was in.

“You bitch… the femboy drank less. Obviously I would have won..” Camila clutched a half full bottle of Banana rum. The table had two additional bottles.

Vedal had only one and it was about a quarter gone. “Well, at least we know who the weirdo is. Not surprising is it?” Vedal sat on the couch normally while Camila was spreaded out and laying down.

“Fuck you…” She groaned in annoyance, the fireplace was warming up her body, so it wasn’t a complete waste of time. 

Camila only really realized how much more happy in Vedal’s voice did he feel. But she shrugged it off.

“When do you think the rain will end?” Camila commented as she laid sideways on the couch, the bottle of banana rum fit within her grasp. 

Vedal turned his eyes over to the window. “Not for a while. The last thing I want to do is have to share anything with you. I only got one bed, and that's for me.”

“What a knight in shining armor you are…” Camila rolled her eyes, dragging them back to the fireplace. It rang out more twitches of the flames. 

Vedal turns his eye over to hers, noticing the redness of her nose increasing.

”She’s getting sicker, but she won’t ask for help?” Vedal thought to himself, at the very least did he want to make sure she felt better.

And of course because he didn’t want to be sick… obviously.

“I’ll get you something.” Vedal stood up suddenly, walking over to the kitchen. He ran through drawers to find something for her.

Camila crossed her arms after tapping the bottle of rum on the table. Letting it clank before setting it down peacefully.

“And what is this something?” Her voice had a hint of curiosity.

“Cold Medicine. You can’t hide being sick when you look like Rudolph.” He said in a teasing tone.

The rest of Camila’s face turned a slight brush of red. “You…!” 

Vedal found a bottle of medicine, swiftly grasping it and closing the drawer door. He walked back and sat down. The bottle seemed to be of Calpol.

“You’re actually serious…”

“Is that… not expected?” Vedal tilted his head in confusion.

“No.. no.. It’s just..” Camila waved her hands together before looking the other way. “I haven’t had someone take care of me like that…”

“Uh Huh.. you sound like you're in an anime…” Vedal chuckled to himself, causing Camila to tighten her knuckles.

“Ugh, Look.. it's just surprising. Don’t think you can get me with just that.” Camila turned back to face Vedal.

Vedal turned his smirk, “You want me to get you? Sorry Camila… I’m married to Greggs.”

Camila just sighed deeply, this was embarrassment that could last a while even after today.

Vedal pops the small cup from the top before twisting the cap off. He set the cap down, taking his time with everything.

He pours the medicine within the small cup until it fits a healthy amount.

“Here.” Her eyes looked over to the cup. She took it gently to make sure not to spill it.

Vedal’s care for her was outside of anything she experienced. She didn’t understand. Could she even understand?

Her thoughts were drowned out as she drank the medicine. It had a flavor to it, but it was still bitter. “Fuck thats sweat…” She sets the cup down and grazes her hand over the bottle of Banana Rum.

With a swift motion, she had another drink of the bottle. Finally emptying it.

“Camila… you should probably get some rest…”

“You're not my mom… just let me be… bleh..” She took her tongue out with that final part. Truthfully, she was really tired. She had zero chances to rest until now. Could she take it?

“Sleep Camila. I have a bunch of things to show you. It’s going to be great… and better then what we just did tonight.” Vedal spook to her calmly.

That tone in his voice…

“Fine.” Camila fell to the side, resting her head on the right side of the couch. Lifting up her legs and onto the piece of furniture. 

The heat from the fireplace was like a blanket, removing the soreness from her legs today.

She was knocked out a few minutes after.

Vedal stared at her quietly.

She had never noticed, this entire time all of her facial muscles were stretched out. But when she let go… she felt blissful. 

“Night Camila.” Vedal turned his attention to the small hallway. Taking his stride over to the right door this time.

He opened it, revealing Vedal’s small room. Bed, cabinets, computer, the basics you would find. 

Vedal left the door open tapping along the wooden floor onto his chair. He rolls it back and turns it around, letting his body placed onto it gently.

He pushed the power button of his computer, and the fan started to turn at a fast rate.

And with that, Vedal continues his work on coding. However, Vedal still has Camila in his mind.

I mean, how couldn’t he?

As Vedal worked, he felt his tired out body take a toll on him. He was up the entire time waiting for Camila.

He could rest.. right…? It will be fine.

Vedal rested his head. “Just a quick nap.”

It in fact, wasn’t a quick nap.

CHAPTER 1

END

Chapter Text

The living room was a cocoon of warmth, the fireplace’s soft crackle weaving through the relentless patter of rain against Vedal’s balcony window.

Camila stirred on the lime-green couch, her body curled under a throw blanket, the oversized grey t-shirt, that being Vedal’s, slipping off one shoulder.

A sharp sneeze jolted her awake, her impish features scrunching as she rubbed her nose, the remnants of her cold clinging like an uninvited guest.

The faint ache in her head, a souvenir from last night’s banana rum, did little to dull the daring glint in her eyes as she blinked into the dim morning light.

She sat up, the blanket surrounding her waist. She scanned the cozy apart, the wooden table, the empty bottles ontop of said table, and then there was Vedal. Hunched over at his desk, his silhouette glued to Neuro’s code.

His fingers tapped along the keyboard like a dance, the AI V-Tuber’s pixelated avatar bouncing around with the same smile on the screen.

“Hey, Vedal,” Camila called, her voice raspy but dripping with malice and mischief. Her streak of teasing already starting. “You coding an escape plan from me? That shell of yours looks extra durable this lovely morning.” She chuckled slightly, swinging her legs off the couch, bare feet grazing the carpet.

She stretched with a dramatic flair, undeterred by Vedal’s ignorance and the cold that still struck her.

Vedal’s shoulders shifted slightly, his eyes narrow but never turned his head. His British accent clipped into Camila’s ears, ready to be heard. “Escape? I’m debugging with Neuro. The incident where she almost started singing a certain German song was going to nearly kill me.” He sighs, now turning his head over with a small grin. “Imps who crash into my place, use my medicine, my clothes, all just to snore loudly on my couch. It’s pretty sad, really.”

Camila grinned, her demonic impish energy ready to pounce onto Vedal’s remark. She padded towards the desk, leaning against it with a bold tilt of her hips. “Oh please, you prefer me around. I know it. Besides, keeps you from being all over the place with your fucking code. You needa live life a little turtle man!” She patted his back a few times, before glancing at the rain-ridden window, her grin turning to a smirk. “Looks like we’re stuck here for a while. No coding marathons for you today, you needa know what fun is.”

Vedal raised an eyebrow, his fingers pausing mid-keystroke. The flashing text cursor appearing over the lines of code. He was currently fixing up the filter, adding more keywords that would have immediate detection. “Fun?” He asked, turning his head over to Camila, his hands off the keyboard and resting on the desk itself. “Your definition of fun involves property damage, doesn’t it?” He was rightfully skeptical, after all… this was Camila. Who knows what she would do for her freetime…?

He couldn’t rightfully admit it, but a flicker of curiosity danced in his eyes.

From the computer, Neuro’s voice chirped in. Her avatar appears with a mischievous look in her digital eyes. “Vedal is acting tsundere again. Camila, you gotta step up your game!” She winked, before bouncing around again. Her tone was a playful jab that Vedal’s heart warmed up to.

Hearing her speak everyday gave him a sense of happiness that Camila took note of. The flicker of indifference sparked into his eyes.

Camila giggled, leaning closer to the screen, her pink hair blocking the view. “Neuro, my hero. Tell your dad to loosen up.” She turned to Vedal, her grin daring and unrelenting.

“I saw that Nintendo 64 in your closet last night. Bet I can smoke you in Mario Kart. Loser kisses the winner. How about it, deal?” Her words were bold, tossed out with a wink, her impish confidence masking the thrill of pushing his boundaries.

Veda, suddenly getting pulled back to the real world,l tries to recall what Camila said, but Neuro-sama’s voice cut in, a gleeful murmur. “Ooh, Vedal used to play that all the time! You should totally do it Vedal! For me, your daughter, obviously!” Neuro’s quip distracted him, and he nodded absently assuming the bet was tea, muttering, “Yeah, sure, tea sounds fine.”

“Tea..? I mean.. Are you sure?” Camila questions him, curious as to why the winner would want a kiss and tea. Vedal isn’t the type to agree to that sort of thing…

Vedal’s eyes narrowed, “Yeah…?” He looked confused for a second, turning over. “What about it?”

Camila waves her hand, “It’s nothing. Some nice tea after I kick your ass seems fine.” Camila smirked, though it wavered. The idea of kissing the nerdy guy seemed out of this world.

“Sure, keep saying that imp.” His focus stayed on the screen, missing the kiss entirely, his reserved nature shielding him from Camila’s daring gamble, for now.

Camila’s eyes sparkled with amusement, sensing the chaos to come. “No, seriously, you’re fine with the bet? No bullshit?”

Vedal sighed, not even bothering to look over to her. “Yes Camila, I’m fine with it.”

“Ehh…?” Camila felt a bit flustered at the thought, it was a lingering feeling in heart. Winner or Loser, they would still kiss.

This was… could she even take it?

Maybe she should back out, right? That seems fine. Or.. Or… Vedal’s just… messing with her! Yeah! Like a joke… and she just… has to… play along.

The cold that struck her body didn’t help the rising temperature on her face. She glanced over to Vedal, his features definitely not subpar.

“Fuck Camila… get your mind out of the gutter…”

Vedal watched her go, shaking his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips as he followed, unaware of the bet that would soon unravel his carefully coded walls.

Camila dove into the closet, her hands sifting through a jumble of old cables and forgotten knickknacks, the faint dusty scent of long-stored treasures mingling with the warmth of the nearby fireplace.

She stifled a cough, her cold nagging but no match for her daring impish spirit. Tucked behind a pile of outdated tech manuals, she spotted the angular shape of the Nintendo 64, its controllers tangled like a nest of vines.

“Gotcha!” she crowed, hauling it out with a flourish, her grin wide enough to rival a VTuber emote.

Vedal lingered near the wooden table, arms folded, his expression a blend of nostalgia and wariness as he watched her drag the console into the living room.

The rain pounded the windows, sealing them in the cozy apartment, the firelight casting a soft glow across the lime-green couch. “Careful, Camila, that’s not a toy for imps to smash,” he said, his British accent dry. “Haven’t touched it in years. Probably just a relic now.”

Camila dropped the console onto the table with a confident thud, brushing dust off her borrowed t-shirt. “Relic? This is a legend, Vedal, and I’m about to make you eat those words.” She brandished a controller, its worn joystick still intact, and pointed it at him like a challenge.

“You’re just stalling ‘cause you know I’ll win—and you’ll owe me that kiss.” Her bold wink was pure VTuber flair, her impish energy daring him to match her.

Vedal’s brow furrowed as he stepped closer, eyeing her haphazard pile of cables. “I heard ‘tea,’ not whatever chaos you’re plotting,” he muttered, kneeling to untangle the mess before she could break something.

His fingers brushed hers as he took an AV cable, the brief contact making him pause, his reserved nature wrestling with the spark of her touch. “Let me handle this. I’d rather not debug a fried console today.” His voice was steady, but his eyes flicked to hers, betraying a flicker of unease.

Camila leaned back on her heels, her grin undimmed, the oversized t-shirt pooling around her thighs.

“Oh, look at the big coder saving the day,” she teased, nudging his shoulder with her own, the motion bold yet playful. “Fix it fast, the longer you take the more it seems like your delaying your defeat!” The TV hummed to life as Vedal connected the cables with practiced precision, its grainy glow illuminating their faces as the Nintendo’s menu flickered on.

From the desk, Neuro-sama’s voice piped up, her chaotic energy bubbling like a rogue stream alert. “Tutel’s playing tech support instead of games? What are we doing dad!” Her blonde avatar twirled on the laptop screen, her tone a mischievous hum that danced in the background, never stealing the spotlight. “Camila, break that console so he cries on stream later.”

Camila snickered, tossing a controller to Vedal, who caught it with a reflex that belied his reluctance. “Neuro’s got my back,” she said, flopping onto the carpet with a daring glint in her eye. “Pick your character, Vedal. And no backing out of our bet—I’m collecting that kiss when I win.”

Her words hung in the air, bold and teasing, as she navigated the menu to select Bowser, her impish confidence unshaken.

Vedal hesitated, his fingers hovering over the controller as he chose Yoshi, his choice deliberate and calculated. “Tea, Camila. You’re getting tea when I win,” he said, his voice firm but his cheeks faintly pink, still oblivious to the true stakes.

Neuro-sama’s soft cackle echoed—“Ooh, someone’s in denial!”—her quip a playful undercurrent as the game’s jingle started, pulling them into the impending showdown.

The vibrant chaos of Mario Kart filled the TV screen, Rainbow Road’s twisting colors lighting up Vedal’s living room as the race’s jingle pulsed through the air.

Camila hunched forward on the carpet, her controller gripped like a lifeline, her impish daring blazing as Bowser’s kart roared ahead. Vedal sat beside her, his posture taut, fingers moving with the precision of a coder—Vedal, Neuro-sama’s creator, now locked in a battle to defend his pride against a bold imp.

The fireplace’s warm glow danced across the wooden table, its crackles nearly drowned out by the rain hammering the windows outside.

“Eat my ass!” Camila crowed, her voice rough from her cold but electric with bravado. She tilted her controller sharply, sending Bowser careening around a curve, her reckless button-mashing a whirlwind of chaos.

She shot Vedal a daring grin, leaning just close enough to nudge his arm, the contact deliberate and teasing. “Hope you’re practicing for that kiss you owe me!”

Vedal’s jaw tightened, his focus locked on Yoshi’s kart as he weaved through a barrage of bananas with calculated ease. “Tea, Camila. You’re dreaming if you think you’re winning,” he said, his British accent clipped, though a faint flush crept up his neck. Her nudge threw him off just enough to clip a corner, and he shot her a mock glare, his reserved nature cracking under her relentless energy. “Stop trying to sabotage me.”

From the desk, Neuro-sama’s voice chirped, “Tutel’s kart is as slow as his social game! Camila, ram him into a dev stream!” Her avatar spun on the computer screen, her playful jabs blending into the room’s energy like a Twitch chat on autoplay, never stealing the focus but adding a spark of anarchy.

Camila laughed, wild and unrestrained, her controller jerking as she launched a red shell at Vedal’s kart. “Neuro’s my wingman! You’re going down, Vedal!” Her daring streak surged as she leaned closer, her shoulder brushing his, the brief warmth making his fingers fumble.

She capitalized, sending Bowser into a drift that snagged a power-up, her impish confidence unshaken even as a cough rattled her chest.

“Neuro, you’re not helping,” Vedal muttered, his voice tinged with amusement as he regained ground, Yoshi darting through a shortcut with surgical precision. “And you, Camila—less shoving, more racing.” His eyes flicked to her, catching the daring glint in her gaze, and he felt a strange pull, her boldness tugging at the edges of his carefully coded comfort zone.

Neuro-sama’s avatar giggled, her tone a soft, chaotic murmur. “Ooh, is that tension I detect? Will Vedal finally get a girlfriend from this?” Her quip floated in the background, a playful undercurrent that made Camila snort, nearly missing a turn. Vedal seized the moment, firing a green shell that sent Bowser spinning, his smirk flashing as he pulled ahead.

“No way!” Camila yelped, her voice a mix of outrage and delight as she scrambled to recover, her controller practically vibrating with her aggressive inputs.

The final lap was a blur of shouts and laughter, Camila’s wild cheers clashing with Vedal’s quiet, intense focus. As the finish line loomed, Yoshi crossed first, the screen bursting with victory confetti. Camila flopped back, groaning theatrically, her controller thudding onto the carpet.

“Rigged! Your turtle tricks won’t save you from the bet,” she teased, propping herself up on one elbow, her daring grin fixed on Vedal.

He leaned back, catching his breath, his smirk softer now, the firelight catching the curve of his glasses. Their eyes locked for a moment, the air charged with her boldness and his quiet intensity, the promise of their wager hanging between them like an unspoken dare.

The Mario Kart victory screen faded, Yoshi’s triumphant spin looping as the living room settled into a quieter rhythm, the rain’s steady assault on the windows blending with the fireplace’s soft crackle.

Camila sprawled on the carpet, her controller abandoned beside her, one hand dramatically flung over her eyes as she groaned, her impish bravado undimmed despite her loss. Vedal sat back, his posture loosening, the faint glow of the TV catching the smug curve of his lips—Vedal, the reserved VTuber creator, savoring a rare moment of triumph. The wooden table between them held their empty controllers, a silent witness to their heated race.

“Face it, turtle boy, you got lucky,” Camila declared, peeling her hand away to shoot him a daring grin, her voice scratchy but bold. Her cold made her cough softly, but she propped herself up on her elbows, the oversized t-shirt slipping further off her shoulder. “Don’t get too comfy, ‘cause I’m still collecting on our bet.” Her eyes glinted with mischief, her impish daring practically sparking in the firelight as she leaned closer, testing his resolve.

Vedal’s smirk faltered, his hand pausing as he reached for his glasses, adjusting them needlessly. “Tea, Camila. You owe me tea,” he said, his British accent firm, but a flicker of doubt crossed his face as her grin widened.

“That’s what we agreed on, right?” His voice wavered, the memory of her bold wager—loser kisses the winner—nagging at the edge of his mind, his reserved nature bracing for impact.

From the desk, Neuro-sama’s voice chimed in, her chaotic VTuber energy a playful hum in the background, like a stream alert set to low. “Vedal needs a kiss from a girl Camila, help this poor turtle boy…” Her avatar changed to a sad crying face, sarcastic all and all, her tone teasing but unobtrusive, adding a spark of teasing without stealing the spotlight from the charged moment unfolding.

Camila’s laughter rang out, bold and infectious, as she sat up fully, brushing her hair back with a theatrical flair. “Oh, Vedal, you sweet, clueless turtle. I said kiss , not tea. Loser kisses the winner—ring any bells?” She tilted her head, her daring grin softening into something almost predatory, though her eyes held a warmth that kept it playful. “You won, so I guess I’m paying up.”

Vedal’s face flushed crimson, his glasses slipping slightly as he froze, his heart thudding louder than the rain outside. “You… what? No, I didn’t… kiss?” he stammered, his reserved facade crumbling as he pushed back against the table, his chair creaking.

“Camila, that’s not… I thought…” His words tripped over themselves, his mind reeling as he realized he’d misheard her bet, her daring energy pulling him far beyond his coded comfort zone. He felt his guard slipping, a strange warmth stirring for reasons he couldn’t name, and it terrified him as much as it intrigued him.

“Easy,” she said, her voice dropping to a teasing but kind tone as she extended her hand, palm up, the firelight catching her impish features. “I’m not gonna make you faint. How about a compromise? A kiss on the hand, super classy andddd keeps your shell intact. How about it?” Her bold facade cracked just enough to show respect for his boundaries, her eyes searching him for a sign he was okay.

Vedal stared at her, in a daze. His breath was disoriented and confused.

He knew he was letting her in, letting her energy chip away at walls he’d built through years of solitude and coding Neuro-sama.

“Okay.”

Without a word, she took his hand, his touch hesitant but warm, and pressed a quick, awkward, but big kiss to his knuckles, her lips grazing his skin before she dropped his hand, his face burning.

“There,” he mumbled, giving a look over to Camila who looked back at him. They ended up locking eyes, before both of them looked away, Vedal heart racing as if he’d just coded Neuro for days straight.

And Camila, well… a faint blush crept onto her face. But she tried to be bold still.

She flexes her neck, a soft smile replacing her daring grin, the warmth of his kiss lingering like a secret. “Not bad for a turtle,” she murmured, her voice gentle but still teasing, respecting the space he needed.

However her grin held another secret, a wavering one.

Those eyes of his… they seem so beautiful. I didn’t take Vedal to actually have a pretty face… yet here I am.

His skin is smooth, his eyes feel like emeralds staring back at me. His glasses shining from the computer screen, his broad shoulders and somewhat sharp chin.

His back… fuck. Is this what Aquwa felt like?

Kissing Vedal’s hand… It was like dopamine.

“You alright?” Vedal’s worried tone felt like being shot in the chest, suddenly snapping Camila out of her trance.

Camila’s face was burning up from embarrassment.

Vedal got closer to her, lifting up her hair to put his hand over his forehead.

“Ah… Vedal..?” Her face contorted into surprise, nearly falling over from the shock.

“You’re burning up… shit, I didn’t give you medicine. I’m sorry… really… let me get some more for you.” Vedal doesn’t think of her reaction, she’s sick and he was too caught up in playing games.

He sighs, before getting up to get some medicine, leaving Camila to her thoughts.

Camila sits on the floor in a daze. She could feel her heart beating out of her chest.

She reached her hand over to where her heart was… it kept on pumping rapidly.

Vedal…

How have you made me… like this…? I feel like I can be like myself around you. You’re kindness is completely different to how I seen you on streams… let alone on discord calls

He’s taking such good care of me too. Fuck… am I causing too much trouble for him? I am…. I have to be… but… I don’t want to leave just yet, I just got here after all.

Camila was confused about what she thought of Vedal. His face of worry still appears in her mind. He was hot, sure… but she’s seen a bunch of hot guys before.

But Vedal? He was different. Everything about him was different, she used to be a top-tier succubus, unable to have her heart swayed by any sort of the demon.

Escaping into the overworld to only tease her fanbase and just play games was one thing.

But… Vedal was just…

What was this feeling?

Camila didn’t know how Vedal felt for her.

She will learn her feelings for Vedal.

Just like Vedal figuring out what she thinks of Camila.

…

The living room glowed with the fireplace’s amber light, its gentle crackle weaving through the steady drum of rain against the windows, cocooning Camila and Vedal in a warm, intimate haze.

The TV was off now, the Nintendo 64 controllers abandoned on the wooden table, their Mario Kart showdown a fading echo. Camila lounged on the lime-green couch, her legs tucked under her, the oversized t-shirt slipping off one shoulder as she cradled a steaming mug of chamomile tea.

Her impish personality softened, her cold making her eyelids heavy, though a faint, bold smile lingered as she glanced at Vedal.

Vedal sat at the other end of the couch, his posture less rigid than before, one hand wrapped around his own mug, the other resting on his knee.

The firelight caught the edges of his glasses, softening the reserved lines of his face. Vedal momentarily unmoored from his coded world. The kiss on Camila’s hand still burned in his mind, a quiet admission that her daring was unraveling something in him, though he couldn’t name why.

He stole a glance at her, her profile glowing in the fire’s warmth, and quickly looked away, his throat tight.

“So, Vedal,” Camila said, her voice low and teasing, though gentler now, her boldness tempered by the cozy moment.

“Gotta admit, I didn’t think you’d go through with that hand-kiss. You’re full of surprises.” She sipped her tea, her eyes flicking to him over the mug’s rim, searching for a crack in his shell. Her cold made her sniffle, but she brushed it off, her impish charm undaunted.

Vedal cleared his throat, his fingers tightening around his mug as he stared into the flames. “Don’t get used to it,” he muttered, his British accent soft but laced with his usual deadpan. “You’re just… persistent. Like a glitch I can’t patch.”

His words were guarded, but a faint smile tugged at his lips, betraying the warmth her daring had sparked. He felt his walls wavering, her boldness pulling him into uncharted territory, and it left him both unsettled and curious.

From the desk, Neuro-sama’s voice drifted, her persona a soft, playful hum, like a stream winding down after a hype train. “Wow, Tutel’s not coding for once! Is this a romance arc or a fever dream?”

Camila chuckled, the sound warm and tired, as she set her mug on the table with a soft clink. “Neuro’s onto you, Vedal. Why do you hide in that coding cave anyway? Scared the real world’s too messy for your turtle logic?” Her question was bold, probing, but her voice held a genuine curiosity, her impish facade peeling back to reveal a flicker of vulnerability.

Vedal’s gaze shifted to the fire, his fingers tracing the mug’s handle.

“It’s not hiding,” he said quietly, his reserved nature hesitating before letting a truth slip. “Coding’s… control. Out here, things get unpredictable. Like certain imps showing up in the rain.”

He glanced at her, his eyes softer, the admission heavier than he intended. He didn’t know why her daring made him want to step into that unpredictability, but it did.

Camila’s smile faded into something softer, her bold energy giving way to a rare stillness.

“Guess I’m pretty unpredictable too,” she murmured, her voice barely above the fire’s crackle.

“Sometimes I push so hard ‘cause I’m scared I’ll fade if I don’t. VTuber life, you know? Always gotta shine.” Her fingers brushed the couch, inches from his, the almost-touch sending a quiet spark through the air.

Neuro-sama’s voice hummed, a faint background tease. “Rainy days make weird vibes, huh? Someone cue the sappy music!” Her avatar winked, but the moment stayed with Camila and Vedal, their hands so close their knuckles nearly grazed.

Vedal’s breath hitched, his heart racing as he felt the pull of her warmth, but he shifted slightly, breaking the tension with a cough.

“More tea?” he offered, his voice too quick, standing to grab the kettle. Camila’s bold grin returned, sensing his retreat but letting it slide, her eyes lingering on him as he moved.

The fireplace’s glow wrapped them in its embrace, the rain a soft promise of more moments to come, their connection deepening in the quiet.

Camila’s grin slowed down into a small smile. “That would be nice… thank you for… taking care of me, y’know…” She held the mug tightly, her eyes now looking at the tea. Betraying the thoughts she felt for Vedal.

Vedal turned, a small smile over this. “Don’t mention it. You’re… a friend. I care about you, like anyone else. I’m just happy we could talk together. It gets pretty lonely even with Neuro.”

Neuro didn’t speak back, only listening with digital curiosity.

“Well, I’m here now. That’s what counts, right?” Camila chuckled slightly, her eyes turning to his.

“Yes. It does.”

Vedal’s feelings for Camila.

Camila’s feelings for Vedal.

Neuro’s code generated a thought, not one she spoke.. But one she stored in her memory.

“What an unlikely pair… And Vedal being that expressive is a new thing to me. Even when I’m with him, he is always happy to some extent. But with Camila? When's the last time he was laughing like this?”

“I just hope she’s able to fill the void in his heart. There are some things that Me and Evil can’t fill.”

Neuro watched from her digital interface as Vedal left the room, Camila sipping on the tea calmly.

It was peaceful and calming.