The screen flickered as the Jackbox lobby loaded, your stream chat buzzing with anticipation. You adjusted your headset, taking a sip of your drink as you waited for everyone to join the game. It was a typical Friday night, and the usual crew—Schlatt, Nopify, Ted, Charlie, and Charborg—had agreed to play some Jackbox games together.

"Alright, who’s missing?" you asked, scanning the list of names on the screen. Ted’s goofy avatar bounced in place, Charlie’s name blinked in and out as he fought with his internet, and Charborg’s suspiciously-named character was already typing furiously in the chat. But one name was still missing.

“Oi, Schlatt, you joining or what?” you called out, half-joking, but with an edge of impatience. It wasn’t the first time he’d been late to a stream.

“Hold on, I’m here!” Schlatt’s voice came through the headset, a bit muffled at first, but quickly clearing up as his name popped up in the game.

“There he is,” Ted said with a laugh. “Late as always.”

“Fashionably late, thank you very much,” Schlatt shot back. “Besides, I had to grab a drink. Can’t be doing this shit without alcohol."

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips. Schlatt had that effect on you—always had, even when you were an ocean apart. It was late where you were in the UK, and you’d already felt the fatigue setting in, but hearing his voice had a way of waking you up, making the time difference feel like nothing.

“Alright, let’s get this thing started,” Charlie said, finally getting his connection stable. “I’m ready to goop you all.”

“goop? Seriously?” Nopify chimed in, and soon everyone was talking over each other, the chaotic energy of the group pulling you into the game.

As the first round of Quiplash began, you couldn’t help but notice the playful banter between you and Schlatt felt different tonight—lighter, more frequent.