Title: Online Friends
Rating: Mature (eventually... slow burn)
Summary:
Modern AU: Two people meet in a Game of Thrones online chat room and become instant friends. After a couple of months of chatting, users DragonQueen (Tris) and SexyWolf (Tobias) decide to give it a try and meet on a blind date. What happens when sparks fly, but not in a good way?
**I have no rights to these characters, all belong to TDS author, Veronica Roth **
++o+ Chapter One: Online Friendship +o++
01.03.2018
DragonQueen: Okay, Mr. Sexy… I just got caught up. I finished episode 6 of season 2. As I'd anticipated, work was a nightmare today, so I only got home an hour ago.
SexyWolf: First, you need to stop calling me MR. Sexy. I was so drunk when I made up my username, and I only kept the name SexyWolf because my best friend, who is kind of an ass, dared me to use it! Also, WhiteWolf was already taken... lol. Kidding. I am probably the farthest thing from sexy. I consider myself more of the quiet/aloof type ;-) Well, except for you. In all seriousness, I think our talking online so much has helped me open up to you. I am much more reserved in my real life.
DragonQueen: Okaaaaay – I am going to pretend to believe you regarding the username. ;-) But yes, I can understand the allure of the online friend thing. I'm glad you've gotten comfortable enough to open up to me.
SexyWolf: Me too, DQ. So, on to Game of Thrones. Did you manage to make it through the episode without vomiting?
DragonQueen: Just barely. Even seeing the introduction of Ygritte's character was enough to make me queasy. I hate how HBO romanticized her character and her relationship with Jon Snow.
SexyWolf: I know you do. I don't care much for her character, either. And the actress that played her was not my type: I don't like redheads. I think redheads are evil.
++long pause++
SexyWolf: Shit. You aren't a redhead, are you? I swear I was only joking about the evil thing. Well, kinda. Lol
DragonQueen: I am sitting at my computer laughing… at you! But no, I am not a redhead. Not that it would offend me if you didn't like my hair color. I appreciate you much more for your insightful thoughts regarding Game of Thrones, and that you are willing to re-watch the series with me and discuss it episode by episode.
SexyWolf: Of course, DQ, you are my best friend. Who else would I want to talk with about our favorite show?
DragonQueen: Hmmm…your best friend? You won't even write out my full username, calling me DQ! Best friend is a pretty big title for you to give to a girl you have never met in real life.
SexyWolf: First, if you want me to write out DragonQueen every time, I will do it for you. I'll do anything for you. LOL As for us not having met in person… Well, that is true, but you do feel like my best friend. We have been talking online for many months now — pretty much daily. When I have a problem, you are the first person I think of to talk to about it. Of course, someone who loves Game of Thrones as much as you do must be a wealth of knowledge about the real world!
DragonQueen: I am just teasing you! The truth is, your (cyber) friendship has become really important to me, too. I feel like I can talk to you about anything. So, thank you for that. There is something that feels safe about speaking to someone online that is never going to be in your "real life" — it makes it more secure, I guess?
SexyWolf: Yeah. You can't betray me and spill all of my dark secrets that I confide in you!
DragonQueen: Fair enough. Okay, no more flattery — let's talk about the episode. I didn't love it for a couple of reasons. As you know, I can't stand Ygritte. I wish Jon had just killed her and not spared her because she is a girl. And the Theon/Winterfell part wasn't easy to watch.
SexyWolf: Oh, my sweet DQ! The moment I watched that part again I knew you were going to be so annoyed! I knew it! And although I do agree with you, and Ygritte is annoying AF... she had her role. She helped make Jon the man he is today. He did love her, but he didn't pick her over doing the right thing. Besides…because of her, Jon was able to be a complete stud with Daenerys in S7. Which, I know, is your current obsession.
DragonQueen: And you aren't a romantic? Of COURSE I ship them, they are meant to be!
SexyWolf: Am I romantic? I think with the right girl I would be. Speaking of that — have you thought about what I said? Maybe we can meet in the real world one day? I am sure there will be some Comic Con event we can meet at. Pick a city that is somewhere in the middle of the cities we secretly live in.
DragonQueen: Oh, Mr. Sexy… Remember our promise?! We agreed not to exchange real names or talk about where we live. I am a girl in my 20s… I like how safe this thing is that we have now. Don't be mad, okay?
SexyWolf: I could never be mad at you. And I get where you are coming from. Although I promise I am not a serial killer, I respect your wishes. Maybe two years from now, when the GoT series is finished, we can meet then. ;-) As I am in my 20s, too, I can be patient until you are ready.
DragonQueen: Thanks, Mr. Sexy! XOXO! You're too good to me. Before we discuss tonight's show, I want to hear about how Aemon's visit to the vet went… was everything okay?
02.01.2018
SexyWolf: Hey, how was your day? Are you feeling better?
DragonQueen: Hi, Mr. Sexy, I am not feeling better. :-( I ended up staying home all day and sleeping. My office was not happy with me.
SexyWolf: I was worried about that when you cut our chat short last night. I just knew you were really sick.
DragonQueen: Yeah, my roommate made me chicken soup before she left for her fiancé's place. I've nibbled on that and have just been resting.
SexyWolf: I would so take care of you... if you would let me.
DragonQueen: Promises, promises… LOL
SexyWolf: Ha, ha. You are too much. But seriously, if you aren't feeling well, we can stop chatting. I don't want to be responsible for hindering your recovery.
DragonQueen: You always make me smile… Mr. Sexy. ;-) No, I hated not chatting with you last night. I missed you… Tell me about your day…
02.06.2018
DragonQueen: Hey there! Listen, if I said something to upset you, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I am sometimes guilty of putting my foot in my mouth. I miss you, Mr. Sexy. :-(
SexyWolf: Fuck... DQ, I am the one who is sorry. No, you are perfect and probably the most amazing person with whom I've ever gotten close. The things I told you… about my life, my father… I've never talked to ANYONE else about those things. I just felt so overwhelmed after, and I needed some time alone to brood. But you are amazing, and I count on you. Sorry if that sounds… weird? But it's true. Besides, I finally got you to agree to exchange photos of our fur-babies (as you like to call them… not my words). Your cats are cute. I'd rather see a picture of you, but still a WIN!
DragonQueen: First, thanks for confiding in me. I care about you, too. A lot. And I do owe you an apology. My crazy ranting about your asshole father was not cool, and I am sure that, although TRUE, it didn't make you feel any better. Again, I am really sorry. I wish I had been more level-headed and calm. I care about you… it just hit me harder than I thought it would.
SexyWolf: Hey, stop. No apology needed. Well… the only apology you owe me is for not being willing to meet in some random city and give me a real hug of comfort. (kidding!)
DragonQueen: Hey — we've just shared all of these personal life stories with each other… baby steps, my dear friend. Baby steps! And Aemon is gorgeous… I just want to hug him! You are so cute, getting a white husky like Ghost in the show.
SexyWolf: You want to hug my dog… but not me? Ouch! I know, I know. I just want what I want, which is to meet you in the real world. BUT, until then, we can keep working our way through season 4.
DragonQueen: Thank you for understanding.
02.14.2018
SexyWolf: Look, DQ — it is not nice to cyber-MOCK me. I swear, Aemon can tell when I am chatting with YOU! Dogs are very intuitive. Although my dog doesn't know you, I am pretty sure he loves you. Hey… I know we have been chatting for hours, but I have to be honest with you about something off topic.
DragonQueen: Always… spill. Next you are going to tell me that you think my cats are psychic.
SexyWolf: I was really nervous that you weren't going to be able to chat tonight, since it's Valentine's Day. I mean, I guess you have never told me that you don't have a boyfriend… or a husband… (please God, do not tell me you are married!)
DragonQueen: Mr. Sexy! No, I am not married. LOL Jeez. And I am not dating anyone at the moment. I do go on the occasional date, usually when someone tries to set me up with some poor guy. But nothing good has ever come of that. And you?
SexyWolf: Single… super single. But also super-interested in someone.
DragonQueen: Oh? Well, that's cool. So, what's she like?
SexyWolf: Well, she is pretty amazing in every way that counts. Smart, wicked funny, kind, I love talking to her. She means a lot to me.
++long pause before DragonQueen replies ++
DragonQueen: Wow. She sounds amazing. So, did you have a nice V-day with her? You seem like the kind of guy that would make a good effort…
SexyWolf: Yeah, it has been a nice V-Day with her… because I am chatting with her right now.
DragonQueen: Mr. Sexy! STOP toying with me — that was cruel! Ugh, you had me going there… Look, I really don't know what to say. But yes… I like you, too. A lot.
SexyWolf: Good, because I am dying to meet you! DQ, I will do anything to get a chance to spend some time with you. I will fly to your city, stay in my own hotel and take you out — just for coffee, if you want. I am serious. Aemon has a new dog sitter, and he is willing to do overnights!
DragonQueen: I am sitting here blushing. I need to think about it. Okay?
SexyWolf: Okay. But will you at least tell me what city you live in so I can start planning my trip?
DragonQueen: You are too much! But FINE… I live in Chicago. But do NOT go buying any plane tickets yet!
SexyWolf: Wait — WHAT? Are you kidding me? I live in Chicago, too! Wicker Park neighborhood. This is CRAZY. I don't even believe it!
DragonQueen: You're kidding again, right?
SexyWolf: No, I'm DEAD SERIOUS — I really live in Wicker Park (Aemon's favorite park) and work from home most of the time. You?
DragonQueen: Work and live downtown, near Millennium Park. This is unbelievable!
SexyWolf: No… I think it's fate. Now we have to meet, for real. We have to wait until 2019 for new episodes of Game of Thrones, but who knows, maybe by then we can even watch it together.
DragonQueen: Slow down there… This is just crazy, but it's also pretty cool. Give me a few days to think about it. Please?
SexyWolf: DQ — of course. I want you to take all the time you need. I am just really happy.
DragonQueen: Thanks. And just so you know… I am really happy, too.
02.17.2018
"Why are we still talking about this, Tris?!" Christina says while spreading butter on her bread roll. The roommates are enjoying brunch this late Saturday morning. "You are CRAZY about this guy. I knew it when you had been talking to him for just a few weeks and you had those dates with Robert."
"Robert? What does he have to do with this?" Tris asks, genuinely confused. She'd only gone on a handful of dates with the guy, and they were pretty much a flop.
"Um, when someone as good-looking and attentive as Robert is throwing himself at your feet, taking you on fancy dates, and all YOU want to do is get home and change into your pajamas so you can log on and chat with SexyWolf, that's how I know you really like the guy. You liked him then, and I think you like him a lot more now. I know you, Tris… like the back of my hand. Let's not forget, it turns out he lives in the same state!" Christina says firmly, enjoying the look of surprise flashing on Tris's face.
Tris's mind is racing. How did this even happen? She'd been an avid Game of Thrones fan for years, and decided to log into a GoT chat room one night, just to discuss the show and enjoy some banter before season 7 started… And then she met SexyWolf online.
Tris trusts her roommate's opinion, especially when it comes to men. Christina has always been direct, reads people well, and gives the best advice when it comes to dating. She's also like a human lie detector. Tris will be so sad when Christina moves in with her fiancé, Will, after their wedding in two months. But Tris knows they will remain close, especially since Will's condo is only 5 blocks away and he travels a lot for his job.
"Okay, fine! You are right. Even I am surprised by how much I like him. I really care about him. We've talked about such personal things. I mean… is it even possible to fall in love with someone you have never met in person?" Tris asks aloud the question she often ponders; she does feel confused.
"What kind of personal things?" Christina pushes. Tris loves her advice, but also knows that Christina would like to know it all. Tris would never repeat the personal things SexyWolf shared about his abusive father and the mother that abandoned him.
"Christina, please don't ask me that," Tris says quietly, hoping that her best friend is not in a nosy mood. She doesn't want to have to deflect her questions for the next hour.
"Okay, relax. I don't really care. I was just curious," Christina admits. "All I can tell you is that we both know of a few couples that met via online dating and are really happy now. It's a new world. Yeah, you guys are in a chat group about a weird show, but in the end, you were the one to tell me that while you do talk a lot about Game of Thrones, you talk much more about your real lives."
Christina feels she needs to push Tris, who has always been so cautious about dating. Her roommate is one of the sweetest people she has ever known, and she really wants her to be happy.
Christina considers the situation. Maybe this Game of Thrones nerd will be it for Tris. "I just think you should meet for coffee, and don't hold back!"
Tris smiles at her friend, feeling more confident with her decision. As always, she can't wait to talk to Mr. Sexy via chat tonight.
02.17.2018
SexyWolf: So, as I end every chat lately — and I am persistent — could I take you out for a coffee date? How about next Friday, the 23rd?
DragonQueen: SexyWolf… my answer is yes! Let's do this. I would love to meet you for coffee. But please, nothing fancy. AND, just in case it is a complete flop, can we agree to not exchange our real names for now?
SexyWolf: In case what, that we hate each other? Just so you know, I call you DQ not for DragonQueen… now it's for "Doubtful Queen"!
DragonQueen: ha, ha, ha… so, is that a no for coffee then?
SexyWolf: It's a hell yes — we are having our coffee date next weekend. I can't wait! I will pick out which coffee shop and get back to you. So, Friday the 23rd… shall we say 6pm? After work for us both?
DragonQueen: Sounds perfect.
SexyWolf: It sounds like a date to me!
DragonQueen: Yes, a date. :-)
++o+ Chapter End +o++
Author's Note: Thanks for reading this story. I'm aiming to post a new chapter every week. A special thanks to my Divergent Beta, BK2U. Her attention to detail, personal time and ability to reel in my occasional (lol) sappiness is highly appreciated. This story was originally written for my Game of Thrones work (Jon x Dany), I've completely revamped it to fit Tobias x Tris. Now BK2U is doing an awesome/detailed review of each chapter before I post. I am excited to share this with my Divergent readers. Have a great day.
