[action] Exciting Arcade Shenanigans!

[notvitiligo]

[So a while back someone added a DDR machine to the arcade, despite not knowing the first thing about how they work. Which means anyone can do it. Which means Jessica can fill a void that has been lurking in her life here

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[restlessdevil]

[Here, have a Zenobia, approaching from behind.]

Hey, another video thing! But instead of a unicorn, it's... ... ... some guy?

[notvitiligo]

[She starts but doesn't turn around. THERE ARE KOOPAS TO STOMP.] Mario. Well, "Maria" here, but it's really Mario. It's something from my- argh where did that even come from?!

[restlessdevil]

[Zenobia laughs playfully.] It looks kinda hard. Hmm... there's another... um... square... thing. [She points to the second controller.] What's that one for?

Also, it seems like it's been forever since I've seen you. How are you doing?

[notvitiligo]

Luigi. Uh, that is, the other player. I can start over, if you want to try.

[She pauses the game and turns around.] Keeping busy.

[After an uncertain pause and checking for any eavesdroppers:] Trying to distract myself.

[restlessdevil]

Oh, no. I don't want to interrupt your fun. I can try it out later.

[She moves over to the bean-bag chair and sits down behind Jessica, putting a hand on her shoulder.] Distract yourself? From what?

[notvitiligo]

[She sighs] I dunno... Bunch of... crap happens. I really hate this place sometimes.

[restlessdevil]

[Zenobia gives her a big hug from behind.] I'm sorry. Can I help cheer you up?

[notvitiligo]

[Whoa what is this touching is happening! She tenses up for a moment, then sighs and leans back into it.]

Dunno... Sometimes I feel like this place is out to make me, um, uncheerable.

[restlessdevil]

I think I can both distract you and maybe... just maybe, cheer you up, too. I can try, at least. [She gives her a slight squeeze.]

[notvitiligo]

[She gives a kind of choking laugh.] I guess you can try...

[restlessdevil]

Hee... I guess I will, then. [She starts massaging Jessica's shoulders.]

[notvitiligo]

[She stares at the screen, awkward. It feels nice and- judging from the muscle tenseness- she's been needing this for a while. She lets out a sigh.]

[restlessdevil]

[Zenobia puts in a little more pressure, moving from the shoulders to down the back.] Juuuust relax.

[notvitiligo]

[Her eyelids droop and she leans forward.]

...that feels really good.

[restlessdevil]

Doesn't it? Doesn't it?

[Her massage goes down her back and then back up, and then moves her hands to her side.]

[notvitiligo]

[Eep!]

h- hey! That tickles!