Chapter 2: The Man He is Today

Ah, pleasure to meet you. My name is Stella, born and raised in the world of Minecraft, yes, that child-like sandbox game where everything is cubed and pixelated. Well if you look at Minecraftia through a screen, yes but if you ever get to look at it with your own eyes, you might find that there are some 'normal' looking people there. What do I mean by that? Well it is simple, there are a lot of races there, Humans, Testificates, Zombies, Skeleton, Spiders, Creepers, Endermen, Slimes, etcetera, etcetera.

I know that you know all of the mobs so why bother listing them all... Hm... Hehehehe, he influenced me that thoroughly?... Do not take that out of context, DO NOT!...

Well anyways, they might look like monsters to you from a screen but over there, you are actually fighting real-life people. Well some of them are, there is like one out of a million chance for you to meet a 'humob' so I can assure you that you are not committing genocide with those EXP farms and if you are curious I am a Skeleton humob. You probably know what I look like as well since Chrome has introduced me already. So that gives me the right to tell you more about him.

He has that relaxed disposition about almost everything so he is rather comfortable to be around with, you can even talk to him about your troubles and he would listen well enough that you'll feel fine but it disappears whenever something agitating happen, such as when he feel excited, sad, or stressed and with the latter, he would sometimes lash out but once he realizes what he did he would feel apologetic and at times might worsen it even more. With that in mind I tend to avoid doing or saying anything to agitate him even more.

He was not like this before, who crumbles when stress is at it is heaviest but still that is good for anybody, the will to keep on working even with stress piled high. Other thing that changed about him was his expressions, before he was so stoic that him smiling widely is highly improbable and same goes for his other emotions, he does not really express it on his face so it is sometimes hard to tell what mood he is in. You can tell once it is too late so it is very tense when others talk to him, but now, you can read him like an open book.

I noticed it during our time when we recently went to Minecraftia, where he and Anna had a session devoted on just meditating, I was not able to join because I was busy with my family and duties of the like. When he came back to the castle... Oops, I forgot to tell you that my parents are king and queen of a kingdom full of Skeleton humobs and the castle was built by Chrome when he still was not aware of this 'hidden' world. Oh, almost forgot to tell you as well that Anna is the daughter of the boogieman of Minecraftia, Herobrine.

Her real name was Heroinebrine but changed it when she liked the name Chrome gave her a little bit too much and if I have to be honest about it, it is a better name. He really is great at giving names... Hehehehe, I wonder what we will name our future children? Oh do not give me that look, we might not have been married or even engaged yet but we have planned for it to happen and we are quite serious about it. We are already practicing taking care of children, how you ask? Well my biological big sister's child of course! We will talk about my nephew for another time, as for now, we are currently heading to a party my colleague decided to host after finishing a movie we were filming.

It was a pleasant trip, silent but not very uncomfortable, I looked at him to see his face molded to that of pure concentration. It still peeved me to no end that he managed to get his driver's license before I did and that was when I was trying to get one for months before I became an actress. Was my spatial awareness that bad? No, I think it is different when you are aiming at something moving than with a giant steel box with wheels with you inside it, "By the way, dearest."

"Hm?" he could only hum as his eyes were glued to the front of the car, "When should we visit my parents again?" I asked knowing that he could at least answer that, "Tomorrow, maybe." he replied quickly as it made me think for a bit, if I remember correctly that would be... Oh... "Tomorrow it is then also, dearest?" I asked, checking if he is still paying a little bit attention to me, "Hm?" he hummed once more as I nodded, "Get your suit ready back home at Minecraftia."

"W-what? Why?!" he asked as I giggled a bit, he really do not like suits, especially one made back home at least the one he is wearing right now is considerably much more comfortable. He can at least tolerate the clothing and last year I got him to bear with wearing neckties. If all my work undid itself, well I would be very depressed, it took like three years to make it so and I do not want to do it all over again.

Oh, we are already here, splendid! We walked away from the parking lot and went towards the front of a building.

"Are we in the right place?" I heard Chrome ask, "Yes, now come on. We are almost late!"

We then went towards the entrance of said building, noticing two bulky looking men wearing typical suits and an ear piece placed on one of their ears guarding the front area. We went close but suddenly we were stopped, "Invitation." one of them said as my boyfriend looked at me this in turn made me scramble around in my purse until I finally got what I was looking for. I presented the piece of card to the intimidating fellows as I saw one of them nod and gave us a wide enough berth to get inside.

Once we were inside, I noticed that Chrome is having one of those moments where he would walk with a restless stride, it seems very odd as he looked like he is dancing but at the same time just walking... I rather not worry about it anymore as my colleague and his wife greets us, "Ah, Stella! Welcome and I'm glad you could join the party!"

"And this must be your beloved boyfriend, Chrome." his wife said as our attention went towards him who looked a bit sheepish, "You know, Stella has been talking about you every chance she could get. Others gotten sick of it but I just find it so adorable, reminds me of myself and Michael during our younger days." she said as she hooked her arms with her husband and hugged it close. While she talked a small blush appeared on my cheeks while Chrome looked very embarrassed to say the least evident by him rubbing the back of his head, "Now, now, Cindy. We shouldn't keep them here longer than necessary, you're seat is number 12, go right ahead."

Why did Cindy have to mention that? Ugh...

Anyways, we seek to get away from the reception area and in to the party area to see quite a lot of people, I am not that surprised really, all of the people here are trying to keep up with appearances and well for me, I just want to get my boyfriend out of the house for once. That he agreed to come without being convinced otherwise, well the word 'shocked' would not put what I felt back then any justice, "Hey, honey. I think that Sasha is over there." Hm... Oh wow, she is! "Come on, let us go and say hello!"

I dragged him towards my big sister's table and on closer inspection I saw her husband, Gregori and of course their child Ivan, "Big sis!"

"Little sis!" Sasha stood up from her sit and immediately went towards me, both of us embracing each other since we have not met in like three months now, I heard Chrome and Gregori greeting each other and the former greeting little Ivan who babbled happily seeing him. Us sisters broke away from our hug and went towards our respective soul-mates and both of us were pleasantly surprised to see that we were sharing the table. We all took our seats as I took my nephew and held him in my arms.

Sasha looked exactly like me albeit taller and darker than me. I need to clarify that, she has long black hair which was tied into a into a pony-tail and her eyes is gray but a shade darker than mine and her skin is tanned very much so. She is currently wearing a long flowing silk dress that revealed a little bit of skin here and there, color is of the same shade as her hair. She, Gregori, and their child were all wearing matching pairs of formal outfit, however Ivan's pants looked a bit bigger maybe because of the diapers.

"Hello, little Ivan!" I said in a coddling tone as he would make excited babbling and sounds while he also would flail his arms up then back down, "Thank you for helping with my wife's delivery and my son's health." I heard Gregori say in a slightly rich Russian accent which was directed towards Chrome who hummed then gave a small and polite smile, "Oh you don't have to thank me. Was my job after all." he said as I heard my brother-in-law laugh rather heartily, "Ah, Sasha. I cannot wait for him to be my brother-in-law! He is an excellent man for your little sister, humble enough not to be blinded by pride and prideful enough not to be hindered by humbleness!"

That is actually a great quote, I should write that down, wait a minute... Chrome is already doing it, "Well, anyways how's you're job little sis?" I heard Sasha asked as I took my attention away from little Ivan by giving him to Chrome who started bouncing Ivan up and down on his knees, "Oh it is alright, sometimes it is stressful but it is always fun!" I answered to which she nodded, "So have you did it yet?" she added which caught me off-guard, I should have been expecting it but, alas, I did not, "N-no, we have not!"

"Did what?" Ah, my beloved boyfriend becoming as dense as a child when playing with one, "You know, 'it'!" I gave him an embarrassed look evident by my blushing, "Oh, that. Nope." he was then smacked on the chin by Ivan, "You haven't yet? I do not know if that is cowardly or disciplined of you." I heard Gregori say but was elbowed by my sister, "Shush, I don't want to hear that from you, who was sweating profusely before we even started our honeymoon!"

Ouch!

I saw Chrome giving one of his pity smiles while my face was full of mirth, Ivan was babbling and laughing not helping his father's case at all. Everything was getting settled until another colleague of mine appeared besides our table. Gregori, Sasha, and I had a face of exasperation and irritation while Chrome is... Well the same expression as Ivan's, curious and oblivious to the atmosphere. Reason for this is that he is so conceited and he badmouths a lot of people he thinks is 'below' him, and he have the hots for me.

"Ah, Stella, you're looking as beautiful as a pristine white rose under the moonlight."

I think I am about to barf... Hrmph!

"What do you want, Emilio?" I began with a tone of irritation simply because I do not like him, scratch that, I despise him. He was about to compliment big sister as well but held off as he noticed Gregori with a murderous look, which is a record in of itself, it takes a lot than just appearing for Gregori to have that look. In response he could only huff in annoyance by looking away indignantly then when he set his eyes on Chrome who had his head tilted along with Ivan's.

"And who is this absolutely drab and ugly lout?" he asked as we were about to blow from anger until I heard Chrome laugh which was joined by Ivan, "Have you been living under a rock?! Mirrors were invented even before your great-great-great grandparents were born, you should get one for yourself and take look at it! You might be surprised about the result!"

Pfft...

The three of us joined in on the laughter as that was the funniest roast I have heard, the mirth must have been multiplied especially when it was directed to Emilio, Ivan who was obliviously laughing along blew a raspberry at Emilio, "H-h-how dare you!" Emilio exclaimed while pointing an accusing finger which was shaking from anger, "I clearly just dared. Are you specially slow as well?" Chrome's comment made the three of us laugh even more so as our table's visitor could not handle it anymore and left, huffing indignantly.

We slowly calmed down and with great timing as the party started as well. The party itself was fun but I doubt the details would be entertaining to you all so I'll spare the trouble. We went back towards the parking lot, "Color me surprised, cause you just proven me wrong."

"Hah! I told you I would not get drunk!" I said pumping my free hand up in the air in a fist, "I cannot wait to add another tally when we get back home!"

"What are the two of you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Hm? Oh dear, there is like five men right behind us and they do not seem to be the least bit friendly, I went behind Chrome as I began rummaging through my purse for my phone and calling the police, "Erm... We've finished attending a party and we were about to head home. What about you fellas?" I heard my boyfriend say as I managed to contact the police, "Oh, we're just here to teach a few kids not to wander about during the night."

"Have you finish calling the police yet?!" I heard him whisper in desperation, "I just did, now hurry up and do something!" I whispered back in infuriation, this was supposed to be a wonderful and relaxing night! "Well what do we have here, a beautiful woman!" I heard as I was forced to turn around to see quite an ugly individual... Is that a bunch of puss on his face?! Ewewewewew!

"Hands off me!" I then proceeded to punch his diaphragm and with the opening I created proceeded to forcefully turn him around and Spartan-kicking him on the ground, "Yeet!" I then heard my boyfriend exclaim as he appeared at the fallen thug's side and kicked his head knocking him out completely, "That's for touching my girlfriend!" Awe, it warms my heart whenever he gets protective of me, he then looked at me with wide-eyes and began to reach for something in his coat.

I looked back as quickly as possible and saw one of the thugs about to tackle me to the ground, eyes widening as I prepared to take the hit, I then heard a 'whooshing' sound and then saw something gray shot through besides the left side of my head. The object that shot forward then landed on the thug's forehead which made him stop almost immediately and what is more, looked like he was clothes-lined as he fell on his back. The object went back even before he fell, I was relieved but I did not dare look back, trying to keep my eyes on the others.

"That was twice in a row that that she almost got hurt. No more mister nice-guy." I heard Chrome say as he walked ahead of me, in his right hand is a metallic bo staff that he had for 10 years now, he started spinning it around and about as the remaining thugs were inching closer towards him, "You should go hide, honey." I heard him say to which I nodded, we cannot possibly get out of this unscathed, well by 'we' I mean me.

I then heard the fight started to happen and as a curious person such as I, decided to look at it. Oh wow, that training back in Minecraftia was not in vain after all! He would duck and weave through fists, not entirely dodging everything but keeping his face and other vital parts protected. Thanks to his relationship with Anna, he got two gifts from her and one of them is the ability to make your skin as hard as Minecraftian obsidian, essentially making him a walking meat shield.

Oh dear, they pulled out the knives... Wait, want to see something neat?

"Hey, I remember that guy, he groped my ass while I was looking through a window of a clothes shop!" I yelled and pointed at one of the thugs, I then saw Chrome reacting how I thought he would react, every part of his body tensed in anger, his right hand gripped on the metallic staff until his knuckles turned white, veins popping from his head, "You did what?!"

Huh? What? Um... Did I see my soul mate just bite off the knife's blade? The thug who had his knife bitten out looked at the handle then to my boyfriend, who still had the blade in his mouth, growling in anger, "It better be worth it!" he said through his gritted teeth. He then spun on his heels to the right and with all of his strength swings the staff smacking the bewildered thug on the right shoulder knocking him out. Ew, I just heard the bones cracking I then noticed him spitting out the knife's edge... I can not wrap my head around on what just happened right now.

Everyone who witnessed this was dumbfounded and I am no exception. Chrome noticed the pause in the fight and relaxed, folding the staff back into its compact shape and hide it under his now wrinkled coat. The police then arrived which was the cue for me to snap out of it. We then explained everything to the officers as the thugs were apprehended and brought in to the police station, "You should have said that sooner." I heard my beloved say as we were driving back home.

It was already 11 PM, "I know but you going on a manhunt is bad for me and your career." I answered as I felt very tired, "I can get the career bit but why is it bad for you?" he asked as a smirk came upon my lips, "I would not get the time to spend with the man I am most desperately in love with!"

"Okay." What?

"Hmph!" I puffed up my cheeks that he just deadpanned me like that, "You are sleeping on the couch tonight." I stated as it only got a hum out of him. I give up! I folded my arms underneath my bust as I looked irritated beyond reason, I heard him giggle to which made me puff up my cheeks even more so, "I'm just kidding." I heard him say but I am resolved on sulking, "How about this, I'll do what you want as an apology?" he offered as I am very much tempted, looking a bit hopeful, "Make me breakfast in bed then."

"No! Do not make that joke!" I added immediately upon seeing a smirk on his face, he then giggled, "I won't." I regained my relaxed composure, sinking into my seat as I felt absolutely drained. We also got tomorrow to deal with, Ugh...

We slept like a log that night much to our relief. We would want to have all the rest we can get because tomorrow might be the most tiresome day for the both of us. I can guarantee you that much.

Author's Notes:

Well that's that for now and I got nothing much else to say except for an announcement.

If you have read the previous chapter's 'Author's Notes' you should know by now that I am working with a rather small group now called Mob Talker: Utopia who has a set goal of reviving the Mob Talker fandom by creating stories, comics, and hopefully in the near future an anime. If you are interested and want to support or help the group, just PM me and I'll give you an invitation to the Discord group. We need as much people as possible to make this work.

If you are worried about being a bad writer or artist, don't sweat it. The group will support and even help you improve so do keep that in mind. Well anyways that is all, and thank you all so much, have a great day/night!