Chapter Text
“Tada!“
“Where are we?“
“Dude, have you never been to an arcade before?“
“I don't get out much on account of...you know...my...“
“Well forget all that cuz this is one of the best gaming centers around. They got VR, paintball, lazer tagg with a Z, and retro style coin operated arcades machines, amigo!“
--How is lazer tagg with a Z different from just laser tagg?-- A question Obi is too embarrassed to ask so they’ll keep playing along.
Arcades aren't Obi’s thing, or more like he hasn't gotten the chance to experience places like these. Especially when it's riddled with crowds. Tavi is determined to change that, and perhaps maybe pool enough tickets for something big on the prize wall.
“I guess it couldn't hurt“
“Hey, it beats your last idea of a good time.“
“Well excuse me if I'm the only one who understands the complexity of a cinematic masterpiece“
“I'm sure rotten potato rated it only four percent.”
“Ugh,” Rolls their eyes dramatically. “ What do critics know? “
It's been a few weeks since Tavi first trespassed into Obi's life, -under a guise at the time, and now it seems he’s never going to leave. It didn't take long for the privileged heir to frequent Obi’s days with outrageous ideas of fun. Both expensive and bad.
There is still the hesitation of whether Obi views him as a friend or someone just...passing through. His first impressions still linger. A person more intrigued with the thrill than with the dangers. Someone who wants to see beyond the rumors veils placed upon him and has no time for fear. Is Obi allowed such companionship or is this just an act waiting to end?
“How about this game? You're into dancing right. You just follow the beat and match the icons on the floor to the ones on screen“
“Mhm mhm sounds easy“
__One ear-worm song later...__
“Hhh. . . uh. . .ah“. The struggles to breathe is real.
“Wow you sucked. I thought you'd be good at this“
Tavi’s score, in the hundred thousands while Obi barely broke 500. In the midst of catching their breath. Bent over with hands on knees and only their legs keeping him from toppling over.
“Shut up. This isn't even real dancing. And it went too fast. I dance freestyle. This is a game for babies.“ Still gasping for air.
“Jejeje yea whatever, man. Come on. Let's try something else“
After regaining some composure it dawned on Obi that a crowd had formed. Tavi pays no mind, but Obi made the mistake of glancing at the surrounding onlookers. The depth of field shifts. The floor itself feels like it's both stretching outwards and closing in at the same time. Trapped in the spotlight with only daggers for an audience.
“You ok amigo?“
“...I-I'm fine. I just got sidetracked“
That’s right. He’s not alone this time. Tavi is here and like a repellent, he scattered the whispers and drums ringing in his ears. House lights turn on and things that threaten to end him are just not there.
“Vamos! Guess what I found?” A hand snatched his own and now he was being dragged along.
“I do not know. What did you find? “
“Pft you didn't even try.“
As much as he would like to guess, Obi finds himself occupied by other swarming thoughts. How could Obi have not been more aware? What made the noises go away? Why is Tavi holding his hand kid scared of getting lost? They haven't touched him since that first encounter. When he was tackled and tickled. Has their skin always been this heated? Is this just what having friends is like? Either way those questions were left unanswered when their hand suddenly abandoned him.
“Check it out! A whole row of pinball machines! Some nice ones too“
It’s as if you could see actual illumination from Obi’s eyes. “Oh my.” It’s a whole experience packed into such a small machine. How so many moving parts, such random elements from bells to whistles and blinking lights placed together just the right clinks and dings. Can just make a childhood worth it. “They are beautiful. Such craftsmanship, with original artwork“ Obi couldn't help but caress at the clean and expertly crafted machines with wide eyes and smile that would be a crime to hide. A rare display that only Tavi was honored to witness. To see Obi in a new form, one full of life and simple childish desire and nothing else.
“I must say it is a dream of mine to own one of these. “
“Really? I could just buy one for you. “
“Hard pass“
“Why not? You can just owe me. “ Que the smug grin everyone knows.
“That's what worries me. Being in debt to someone rich and influential is not on my list of things to do.“
“Oh...you think so highly of me, huh?” Went from smug grin to shitty grin, fitting only for a fool sitting on gold.
“Don’t let it go to your head.” This kid does not need any more of an ego boost.
“Riiight. You can't see it but I'm winking behind my goggles. Jajaja. Bet I can score more than you.“
“It's adorable that you think you can beat me, but this is one game I excel at. “
“Bring it on, Donkey Kong!”
They spend the rest of the hours playing pinball till beeps and pings become a symphony of its own. Of course, in the end Obi was able to set a new high score on several of the machines and of course, Tavi scoffed and demanded to check the food court.
The stars were out by the time Obi and Tavi finally left the arcade. So late that it warranted his parents to leave several concerned messages to pile up on his phone. There was some shock. A little denial. Maybe panic. Some immediate explanations over the shouting of a worried mother. That ends the night in rushing to catch the late train home.
The walk through that front door was just a band-aid that needed to be ripped off lest the pain will only get worse. But to his surprise after just a few shared glances, a sigh of relief from his father and a warm hug from his mother. They were just glad he was home and safe. Or maybe…because Tavi was just shortly behind Obi. After offering to ride the train back with, to keep him company. Even though his place of resident is on the upper end of the city limits.
Perhaps mother and father just wanted to present their best selves to Obi’s friend. Loving moments like these are what Obi will cherish and look back on for the rest of his life. But something about this show of affection caused a stir in Tavi that didn't go unnoticed, and if Tavi thought they could just end the night in a escorted ride back to what can only be assumed his crystal penthouse vacation home.
A quick invitation to stay over was said before Tavi could run away. Followed by a silent begging of permission from his parents. They said sure. Before any rejection could even reach his lips Tavi’s hand was yanked, along with the rest of him, upstairs to get a tour of Obi’s room.
Laughter and chatter was heard down the hall till sunrise.