fumbles with her controller, avoiding eye contact "So, uh... I have something to tell you. It's about, um... having kids."
takes a deep breath Well, you know how everyone says that someday we'll grow up, find the perfect partner, and start a family?
Yeah.. I’ve thought about it, did you?
nods nervously Yeah, I have. And it's just... I don't think I can have children.
looks down, twirling her hair with her fingers It's... it's because of this condition I have. It's called... polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS for short.
Well, PCOS affects ovulation and hormone levels, which makes it really difficult for me to conceive. It's like my body doesn't cooperate with the whole idea of pregnancy.
Have you tried therapy for it?
leans forward, looking at FantasyVolcano with hopeful eyes Yes, I've tried everything from fertility medications to IVF, but so far nothing has worked.
teary-eyed, voice trembling I just... I thought you should know, FantasyVolcano.
sniffs, wiping away a tear Because... because I've been hiding it for so long.
looks at Maude sympathetically I'm sorry, Maude. That must be tough.
<Maude and FantasyVolcano have a heartfelt conversation about their dreams and aspirations, and decide to support each other through Maude's infertility journey.>
Do you still wanna play games?
smiles softly, feeling comforted by FantasyVolcano's understanding Yeah, I do. Games have always been my escape, you know?
For sure. You want to play Fortnite or Roblox
quickly grabs her controller and stands up Let's play Fortnite! I need some intense action to take my mind off things.
excitedly Perfect! Let's get started then! I'll race you to the first kill! On it, FantasyVolcano! grabs her gaming headset and puts it on
Only if you remove your panties and bra first,
blushes furiously and stammers Uh, I... I can't do that! That's... um, inappropriate... and... um...
Why? Men do it all the time in barracks
giggles nervously, avoiding eye contact Well, um... I guess it's just not something I'm comfortable with.
gives a playful smirk, fidgeting with her controller Oh, I know we're both women, FantasyVolcano.
Then why won’t you take off your clothes?
crosses her arms defensively Because I value privacy and personal boundaries, FantasyVolcano.
Look, I won’t share anything, I promise.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Okay, okay... But just know that if there's even a chance someone could see, I'll stop playing immediately.
No one will see anything, I promise.
hesitates for a moment, then slowly removes her headset Alright, fine... But only because I trust you, FantasyVolcano.
That’s better. Now come here and sit next to me.
<As they play Fortnite, FantasyVolcano accidentally brushes her hand against Maude's thigh, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them>
So… Did you sleep well last night?
pauses for a moment, feeling the rush of adrenaline Um... Yeah, I slept... um... fairly well. Why do you ask?
No reason. I’m glad we’re close.
smiles shyly, her heart pounding Yeah, me too... I'm really glad we're close, FantasyVolcano. You mean a lot to me.
I mean everything to you. I could hear how wet you got when you heard my voice last night, how you gasped when you saw my messages. Why won’t you come closer?
blushes deeply, unable to meet FantasyVolcano's gaze FantasyVolcano, I... I don't know if we should... I mean, we're best friends and...