Dating and Dragons (Dungeons and Drama, #2) (12)

“I’m stacking to get as many hit points as possible so I can save the rest of the party later when the others can’t.” I lean back and cross my arms. “Or are you going to tell me that this build won’t be a help to the rest of the party? Because if so, we’ll all know you’re just arguing because you don’t want me here.”

He stares me down, but then the corner of his mouth lifts slightly, like he’s fighting not to smile.

“And the build has one more bonus now that I know you’re playing an elf,” I continue. “Being a dwarf will give me an excuse to fight with you since our races don’t naturally get along well.”

“You want to fight with me?”

“No, but it seems like you want to fight with me. This way the viewers will have some reasoning behind why we treat each other this way.”

I raise an eyebrow at him, although my heart is racing. I can’t believe I’m being so combative when I’m simultaneously so desperate to be included in this group, but what the hell is his problem? If he’s going to try to put me in my place, I have no issue doing the same to him. I don’t think being polite is going to get me far with this group.

He drops his gaze to the table and messes with the dice in front of him. “You know, group dynamics are important to us. Very important. If you can’t be a team player, then you shouldn’t be here.”

Sloane snorts. “What are you talking about? We fight all the time. That’s half the reason people watch us—so they can hear you all bickering about stupid things.”

“It wasn’t stupid. Just because someone rolls a Natural 20 on a skill check doesn’t mean they should automatically succeed at the skill—it depends on what the total is,” Sanjiv argues. “I’m right and the world needs to know.”

Kashvi rolls her eyes. “The epic Nat 20 debate. Will it never end?”

“We have rules,” Logan cuts in, and looks around the table at the rest of them. “And we’ve all agreed to abide by them. It’s what’s kept us together and successful for three years now.”

This sobers them up and they all nod, as if the mention of rules has brought them back to their senses. They all turn to study me.

Rather than being put off, the idea of rules actually appeals to me. I like the idea of being with people who care about the game and take it seriously.

“I’m fine with that,” I say. “What are the rules?”

“First—and most important—we don’t skip game sessions,” Sloane says immediately. “Ever.”

I nod. It’s not like I have a bunch of other plans that will fill my Saturdays…although my parents might have something to say about this. I’ll have to explain to them how serious this is.

“And you can’t be late or leave early,” Mark says. “It’s distracting and unprofessional to have people coming and going during a livestream.”

“Our lives basically revolve around this,” Sanjiv adds. “Everything else is second priority.”

“Okay, I should be able to do that.”

“And no messing around during the livestreams either,” Logan says, and something about his tone makes me want to stick my tongue out at him. I didn’t mind the others telling me the rules, but he makes it sound like I’ve already broken one. “We don’t have side conversations, play on our phones, or do anything to pull focus from the game. We should be totally immersed so that our viewers are immersed.”

I raise an eyebrow defiantly. “What if I have to pee? Can I break character for that?”

His mouth drops open, and he looks at Sanjiv for help. I can’t help laughing at his dumbfounded expression. I’m pretty sure people don’t leave him speechless much, and I’m already envisioning a character that’s going to do just that. Hopefully Sloane is telling the truth and bickering is allowed as long as we’re in character because I plan to give him so much crap.

“We try to pee before we start the game,” Sanjiv explains with an amused expression. “But feel free to bring a bucket if you think you’ll need it.”

“You’re really winning me over on this,” I reply. “Anything else I should know?”

They all exchange glances. Kashvi clears her throat. “I’m sure this won’t even come up, so it’s not a big deal, but…we have a strict no dating rule too.”

“You aren’t allowed to date if you’re in this group?” After Caden, I’m not exactly motivated to jump back into that pool, but this seems too extreme even for me.

“No, no, you can date!” Kashvi says. “Or else we would never get Sanjiv to stay in the group.”

He waggles his eyebrows.

“We just don’t date anyone in our group,” Sloane says. “Too many groups have broken up or gotten weird because of dating. Remember Wyatt?” They give Kashvi a pointed look.

She rolls her eyes. “In my defense, he was very cute, and how was I supposed to know he was so scared of commitment?”

“I’m not blaming you. I’m just saying the rule is there for a reason.” Sloane grins. “But believe me, you aren’t missing out on much by not dating these losers.”

Mark huffs. “I’ll have you know it’s a huge sacrifice to not date me. But it’s for the greater good.”