expiationlogs | then new life has lumps

[ True to her word, Sandry is in front of the arcade a bit before an hour; she's not one to be late. She's wearing a dress in the style from home, a sleeveless silver pink overdress and a white underdress with puffy sleeves, but she has a little shoulder bag that's much more Aldrip style.

She gives a smile when Scott walks up. ]

Hello, Scott! Thank you for inviting me out today.

[As Sandry comes into view, he can't help but wonder if he should've tossed on something other than his normal clothes-- his go to of shirt, jeans, and jacket. If it ain't broke-- but she bothered to show up in a dress that's pretty cute. Whatever, it's probably fine, they're just two friends hanging out at the arcade.

So, he casually walks up to her, one hand waving while the other's buried in his jacket pocket.]

Hey Sandry, and no problem. [A beat.] I'm kind of an expert at this sort of thing now-- introducing people to true American culture.

[...Nevermind the fact that the arcade is from Kotone's world-- so Japanese. It's fine. CLOSE ENOUGH says Scott.]

[ Funnily enough, this is just her normal clothes and she doesn't think twice about Scott's outfit. It must be what's comfortable for him, just as this is comfortable for her. ]

Is that where you're from? American? Are arcades common there?

Yeah, America. United States.

And they're pretty common, usually there's at least one in the mall. Otherwise, who would want to be there unless they're showing the latest Star Wars movie. [No kid that wants to have fun would go to a mall without an arcade or movie theater. Guess there's music stores and everything, but Scott would rather do multiple things in one place instead of just shop.

Regardless, he steps closer to Sandry, briefly bumping shoulders with her before nodding to entrance.] Come on, gotta get your mind blown now.

[ Sandry gives a smile and returns the shoulder bump before turning towards the entrance and going in. It's nice just being with a friend like that. ]

What's a "mall" to you? I know them as outdoor promenades where people gather, but it sounds like it might be different than what you mean.

[Leading her in the arcade, Scott's smile grows just a little bit more as he takes in the familiar place. Even with all the changes, it's... nice to just be here, with the sounds and flashes of video games surrounding them. A reminder that they're just regular ass teenagers, even if it's just for right now.]

Most malls I know are indoor. You know, escape the bad weather and just hang out there? It's a lot nicer. And along with arcades and movie theaters, they always have various shops, like clothing and music stores and a food court to eat at. You'd love it, especially the clothing stores.

[Because she makes clothes and stuff, he remembers that!! Not just because she's a girl--]

Edited 2024-04-30 01:49 (UTC)

[ Okay but that does sound fun. ]

That sounds like a fun place to spend some time. I don't mind fashion much but I love seeing the way people use cloth and all the different kinds of cloth there are.

[ The arcade is really... flashy? And noisy? Sandry look around, not minding that she seems out of place in here. ]

Are all arcades like this?

Yeah, pretty much.

[Scott confirms, before leading her to a game that is a classic-- basically Pacman. Gotta start with something a little simple, right? Before trying one of those shooting games.]

But hey, just between you and me, this arcade is even advanced than the one I'm used to. It's an arcade from Kotone's time period, which is at least 20 years ahead of me. Pretty crazy how technology advances.

[It's sometimes odd to think about, how far behind is he compared to Kotone and some of the other teens. Guess in that sense, it must be extra weird for Sandry. He kind of gets it. But that's why they're here now.] Although, this guy is around my time still.

[Scott pats the arcade machine as if to emphasize his point.]

[ Sandry is doing her best to take it all in. The lights, the sounds. Even with her weird fake not fake memories of a life in Aldrip, it feels strange to her. She gives Scott a reassuring smile. ]

Well, I can't imagine how many years ahead this is for me. Which is why I have you!

[ She turns her attention to the machine they're at now. ]

Tell me about this one.

At least five hundred, right?

[Is he exaggerating? Or not enough? 'Sometime before electricity' is a long period of history. But whatever! He's not going to think about it too long because as Sandry mentioned, he's here to help her as the guide to the future. And clearly, Pacman is the future. Her future.]

Okay, you're at a classic.. [It has to be if it still exists here.] So here are the rules: you control the yellow circle around the maze to eat all of those little pellets while avoiding the ghosts. Pretty simple, right?

[ "At least five hundred" is a somewhat sobering thought. She won't focus on it now, it would be rude to get bogged down in her own thoughts when he's trying to show her around.

Instead she watches the screen carefully. It's moving on its own without him touching what seem to be controls. And then it flashes a few times before showing what must be the logo. ]

I see... so, is that a demonstration for how it's played?

Yeah.

[It drives Scott just a little crazy that the music is just slightly off, like a note is offkey or not what he's expecting. It's so close, but not quite the same. He should be used to it by now, but man. He's working so hard and everything--

Well, time to get this started. He slots a quarter in so that the game activates and she can start playing.]

But try it out. That's the best way in learning how to play.

[ Sandry watches the screen carefully for a few more seconds before nodding. She takes position at the machine, looking over the buttons and the control stick. She presses the START button and does... a frankly terrible job controlling Pac-Man. She's really bad. Runs out of lives very quickly. At the game over screen she frowns and mutters very strongly. ]

Cat dirt.

[ But with a determined look she starts back up again. It's a bit better this time, but... not much. At the end she smack her forehead. ]

Cat dirt! Why is this so hard!

[......

He's so sorry, Sandry, but she'll probably hear a small snicker from Scott when she not only loses, but starts getting frustrated with the game. Look, it's kind of cute, somehow the fact she's saying 'cat dirt' instead of actively cursing adding to the charm. Still doesn't stop his laugh.]

I-it just takes a couple of tries, you'll get it. Seriously.

[He believes in her so much!! Or maybe he just wants to watch Sandry struggle for just a little more. Look it will make the victory even sweeter.]

[ Scott gets a sharp look at his laugh, but she turns her nose up daintily instead of justifying it with a reply. Wordlessly she starts up a new round. And then another. And then another! Her brow is furrowed, her shoulders are hunched, she is trying so hard. But slowly she is making progress!

After a few more tries she finally gets it! Sandry jumps up and down, clapping her hands in glee. ]

I did it! I did it!

[ Unbeknownst to her the second stage is beginning! But she is looking at Scott with bright and fresh excitement and doesn't even notice. ]

[She is tenacious, isn't she? But she is getting better...

At first he claps because hey, getting your first victory in a game is pretty exhilarating. She's clearly having that feeling anyway and Scott acknowledges it by adding a 'you did' as he smiles. He almost feels bad about bursting her bubble, but he has to warn her, right?

So, he fake coughs, and nods his head back at the game.]

Sandry, it isn't over-- the second level is starting.

[Maybe he should mention at some point that there really is no 'ending' to Pacman, you just keep playing until you die. Eh, he'll do it later.]

[ Sandry whirls around to shoot an accusatory stare at the game case. Of course, she loses again, but gives it a valiant effort. At the end she gives a sigh. ]

There's more of it?

Dozens of more levels.

[A valiant effort and maybe that's the most he can ask of her right now. At least she can say that she beat one level of Pacman. Who else from her time period can? No one! So, there.

Nonetheless, Scott still smiles, the expression always verging on a smirk.]

Still gonna give it a go? Although, we could try something else-- a two player game? You can face me.

[ Sandry casts a baleful look at the machine in front of her. Dozens more levels? One was quite enough for her! ]

Let's try something else! There must be something I'm better at than Pacman. Though I can't imagine I could measure up against you.

then new life has lumps

> action!

action;

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