Chapter Text
Carmen and Player arrived at the arcade, greeted by the flashing lights and upbeat music that spilled out from the entrance. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and excitement as they stepped inside, and the vibrant colors of the arcade machines created a kaleidoscope of visual delight. The arcade was a colorful wonderland, with rows of arcade machines, claw games, and prize booths, each one beckoning with promises of fun and adventure. The neon glow of the machines created an electric atmosphere, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of popcorn and cotton candy.
Carmen's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she took in the sights and sounds, her excitement mirrored by Player's wide grin.
After a few minutes of adding money to their card (way too much in player opinion but as long as VILE’s footing the bill he didn’t mind) and scouring around for games to play, they found their target.
Player and Carmen stood in front of a racing game, each eager to claim victory. Player grinned mischievously as he swiped the card into the machine. "Ready to eat my dust, Red?" he teased, his competitive spirit shining through.
Carmen laughed, her eyes bright with determination. "We'll see about that. I hope you're ready to lose," she retorted with a playful wink.
As the race began, the sound of roaring engines and screeching tires filled the air. Player and Carmen leaned into the controls, their faces reflecting a mix of concentration and excitement. The neon lights of the arcade danced around them as they weaved through virtual streets, each vying for the lead.
"Ha! I'm in the lead!" Player exclaimed triumphantly, glancing at Carmen with a smug smile.
Carmen's competitive spirit kicked in, and she narrowed her focus on the screen. "Not for long" she replied, her fingers deftly maneuvering the controls as she made her move.
The race intensified, and the air was filled with laughter and friendly taunts as they battled it out, each determined to claim victory.
As the race came to an end, the game's voice announced, "GAME OVER," and the virtual motorcycles came to a halt. Player let out an exasperated sigh, his competitive spirit still burning bright. "C'monnnn, you totally must've cheated! I was so close to winning," he protested, his playful frustration evident in his voice.
Carmen chuckled, a triumphant glint in her eyes. "how can I even cheat on this game, Player? It's not my fault I have real experience riding a motorcycle," she teased, her tone light and teasing.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm definitely gonna win the next games though; you just got lucky, Red," Player retorted, his determination undeterred as he playfully nudged Carmen's shoulder.
"Okay, Player," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"I'm serious," Player insisted with a playful smirk.
"Sure, short stack," Carmen teased back, her competitive banter filled with lighthearted energy.
"Woahh, okay, now you've crossed the line! Tease my height again and no mercy shall be given to you," Player declared dramatically, his playful threat accompanied by a grin.
Carmen raised her hands in fake surrender. "Okay, okay, my bad. Let's just go find a different game to play," she suggested with a playful grin, ready to embark on the next adventure at the arcade.
After some more wandering around, Player's voice rang out through the arcade.
"Oi, Carmen!"
Carmen turned to face Player. "Yeah?"
"Do you have a dollar? I found a good game we can play next," Player asked, his excitement evident in his voice.
Carmen grinned mischievously. "Yea, why? Are you a little... SHORT on change, eh, Player?" she teased, unable to resist a playful jab. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she playfully nudged Player's shoulder.
Player was oddly silent, his expression unreadable.
"Come on, Player! I was kidding! I know you're a good guy," Carmen quickly added with a playful smirk, her teasing tone laced with warmth.
"How am I a good guy?" Player asked, genuinely curious, his expression reflecting a mix of surprise and intrigue.
Carmen couldn't help but tease him one last time. "Because you never have, and never will, look down at people,"
Player remained silent, his expression resembling that of someone facing a formidable game boss as he took in Carmen's words. One offering that of defeat.
[insert it was at this moment, she knew, she f- up]
‘Oh well can't be that bad’ Carmen amusedly thought. (famous last thoughts)
Needless to say, Carmen lost the next few games, with Player holding up to his promise not to spare an ounce of mercy.
After a good few hours of playing around, they decided to try some of the sport games. Carmen never missed once when it came to bowling or the basketball game, her skill and precision evident in every throw and shot. The sound of cheering and laughter filled the air as they enjoyed the friendly competition.
As they finished up their games, they decided to play one more game before calling it quits and heading out to grab a bite to eat.
As they made their way through the arcade, Carmen and Player stumbled upon a table hockey game, and their eyes lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, they each grabbed a paddle and prepared for battle.
As Carmen and Player faced off in the intense game of table hockey, the arcade lights danced around them, casting a vibrant glow on the game table. The neon colors illuminated the arcade, creating an electric atmosphere that added to the suspense and excitement of the game.
The puck zipped back and forth across the table, the rapid clicking of the paddles filling the air. Carmen's competitive spirit shone through as she skillfully defended her goal and launched counterattacks. Her focus and agility were unmatched as she maneuvered the puck with precision, keeping Player on his toes.
Carmen grinned mischievously. "You ready to lose, Player?"
Player smirked. "I'd like to see you try, Red. I've got lightning-fast reflexes." technically he knew he wasn't going to stand a chance against a super thief but he was at least going to go down with a fight.
The game began, and the puck zipped back and forth across the table, accompanied by the sound of rapid clicking as the players maneuvered their paddles. Carmen's competitive spirit shone through as she skillfully defended her goal and launched counterattacks.
"Ha! In your face, Player!" Carmen exclaimed triumphantly as she scored a point.
Player chuckled. "Alright, you've got some skills, Red. But I'm just getting warmed up."
The game continued, and Carmen's focus and agility were unmatched as she maneuvered the puck with precision. Her swift movements kept Player on his toes, and it wasn't long before she scored another point.
"Whoa, you're on fire, Carmen!" Player remarked with a mix of surprise and admiration.
Carmen grinned. It had been a while since she had the chance to simply let loose and have fun. With Player, there were no exceptions; she could just enjoy herself, and it's not like if she lost she risked losing an invaluable artifact for the world, there was no harm here—except to her pride, of course . But it was easy to be carefree around Player. Carmen loved her siblings and had just as much fun with them, but it wasn't the same as being with someone who had been a constant presence in her life for as long as she could remember. Player had been one of the few constants in her life, and it made every moment with him truly memorable.
After their game Carmen and Player finally called it quits and made their way to the food court to relax and grab a bite. The vibrant lights of the arcade faded into the background as they settled in a booth, she felt oddly reminiscent of the time she checked in with player after the whole Gray situation.
Carmen and Player savored the moments of relaxation, their competitive spirits giving way to a sense of contentment and happiness. The day had been filled with laughter, excitement, and friendly competition, and now they were able to unwind and enjoy each other's company in a more relaxed setting.
As they sat back, enjoying their meal and each other's company, they knew that they had created memories that would last a lifetime. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and the joy of shared experiences—a day that they would always remember with fondness.