{"sf1_id":1662155,"sf2_id":"ve3pj5bm","title":"Gamer-oo","author":"Alfa_Barf","words":5356,"posted_at":"2020-12-18T05:10:10.000Z","tags":["Greentext","Human","Kangaroo","Second Person","Video Games"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1662155-gamer-oo","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ve3pj5bm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/e9/9e/e99e7be3-1c6c-427f-b9d5-e8d453fcaa23","description":"[Greentext] The best way to a kangaroo's heart is through her gaming console, as one Anon has to learn to get her to open up more.","content":"\\\u003eYou may like video games, but it's nothing compared to Marsu's obsession  \n\\\u003eThe red kangaroo's apartment is wall-to-wall game cases, boxes, and memorabilia, with some impressively rare findings  \n\\\u003eShe's not just a collector, but also pretty good at them to boot  \n\\\u003eGrowing up with several brothers meant she always had someone to play with  \n\\\u003eBut as she got older and moved out she began to isolate herself  \n\\\u003eYou've always been good friends, so when one of her brothers asked you to get her to be more social you knew you couldn't leave her all alone  \n\\\u003eOf course, this meant getting through to her using the thing she loves most  \n\\\u003eYou've gone to spectate at local competitions for her  \n\\\u003eYou've waited in lines for midnight releases with her  \n\\\u003eYou're always her go-to partner for multiplayer games  \n\\\u003eAt first you were a little worried she was just seeing you as a training target or a body to hold her spot in lines  \n\\\u003eAfter a while you started to think she might actually enjoy your company  \n\\\u003e\"Anon! Whatareyoudoingtomorrow?\" she shouted into your ear during a phone call  \n\\\u003eProbably hanging out with her  \n\\\u003e\"EEEE-GREAT! The new Rumble Mates comes out tomorrow, and I want to do the co-op campaign with you! It's my favorite series!\"  \n\\\u003eGuess you better get an early night's sleep  \n  \n\\\u003eMarsu's ready to play the moment you arrive at her place  \n\\\u003eShe had raced over to the game store the second it opened to pick up her reservation, knowing you probably wouldn't be so eager to join her so early  \n\\\u003e\"Hey\", she says breathlessly as you make your way to her “battle station\"  \n\\\u003eYou do a double take when you first see her  \n\\\u003eShe's wearing a pretty small hooded sweatshirt and loose shorts, but her gut is bulging out obscenely  \n\\\u003eIt takes a moment for you to notice she's just using her pouch to carry all the snacks and drinks she isn't able to carry in her arms  \n\\\u003eShe unloads everything next to the couch and hands you your controller  \n\\\u003eIt basically is “your\" controller, because even though she bought it herself she got it just for you to use  \n\\\u003e\"A little something for my number one 'player two'!\" Marsu said with a smile when she handed you the package  \n\\\u003e[RUMBLE MATES]!  \n\\\u003eMarsu is bouncing in her seat anxiously  \n\\\u003eYou don't know too much about Rumble Mates, but true to her word it definitely looks like the kangaroo's favorite series  \n\\\u003eIt dominates the motif of the room, with more posters and figurines than any other two games combined  \n\\\u003e\"I'll be Chrome Wolf, and you can be Knight Lion,\" she says  \n\\\u003eYou've long since learned to let Marsu call the shots when it comes to playing with her  \n\\\u003eYou each take your respective heroine and the game starts to load  \n\\\u003eIt's hard to tell if the loud humming is coming from the console or her  \n\\\u003eThe characters jump onto the screen and Marsu squeals in anticipation  \n\\\u003eIt's a pretty bog-standard beat 'em up, though Rumble Mates has always been known for being difficult  \n\\\u003eVery difficult  \n\\\u003eMarsu tries explaining all the advanced moves she knows from the series in rapid secession  \n\\\u003e\"...And if you have baddies in the 180-degree arc behind you BUT we're both facing each other with enough Energy for at least a first level Super Stunt...\"  \n\\\u003eYou never get to apply this knowledge since she cleans up all the bad guys on the screen before you can hit anything  \n\\\u003eYour skill slowly improves, but you still get the impression Marsu has to carry you  \n\\\u003eShe scowls when you do something fatal for both characters  \n\\\u003eAnd when your Lion Knight is the only one left you can see her look at your controller longingly  \n\\\u003eYou ask if maybe she'd be better off doing the solo mode while you just watch her  \n\\\u003e\"What? No! The heart of Rumble Mates is in the co-op!\"  \n\\\u003eHer long ears fold back in shame  \n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry, Anon. I didn't mean to be so pushy. Please, you'll get better!\"  \n\\\u003eWell, at least she's not yanking the controller out of your hands yet  \n\\\u003eMarsu calms down a bit, and the lower tension actually makes things go smoother  \n\\\u003eThe two of you get into a steady rhythm, overcoming the game's increasingly harder challenges  \n\\\u003eYou scarf down food during cutscenes or loading times, building a small pile of bags and wrappers on the carpet  \n\\\u003eBathroom breaks only come when a major chapter is over  \n\\\u003eYou have to time your trips with Marsu's, though, since she is too absorbed in the game to care much about her own bladder, let alone yours.  \n\\\u003eAfter a few hours you hear a loud chirping noise coming from the kangaroo's phone  \n\\\u003eShe glances at it with a whine, but continues playing  \n\\\u003eMust not be that important of a call?  \n\\\u003e\"No, it's...I'll explain in a sec.\"  \n\\\u003eIt takes a little longer than “a sec\" to beat the next key boss battle, but when it's over Marsu puts down her controller  \n\\\u003e\"Do you want to come with me for a quick walk?\"  \n\\\u003eYou're a little surprised by her sudden lack of attention for the game  \n\\\u003eBut as you stretch your stiff muscles the chance for a walk sounds wonderful  \n  \n\\\u003eThe walk is more like a brisk jog (or hop), so it seems that Marsu's definitely eager to play the game some more  \n\\\u003eHonestly you're amazed she didn't want to just power through the whole thing in one sitting  \n\\\u003e\"They say you should take a break after every hour of play,\" she says as if reciting a script  \n\\\u003eThe kangaroo sighs heavily  \n\\\u003e\"A few years ago I had to go to the emergency room because I passed out from exhaustion after playing a day straight. My parents threatened to take everything away from me unless I promised to take frequent breaks. I still probably don't get nearly enough exercise...\"  \n\\\u003eAfter a few minutes, she slows down her pace a bit  \n\\\u003e\"You know, I always feel obligated to take these walks, but...it's kind of nice to have you with me, Anon.\"  \n\\\u003eYou feel the same way with her  \n\\\u003eSeems you're also making some headway in getting her to open up more  \n\\\u003eMarsu looks to her pouch and fishes around in it  \n\\\u003eShe pulls out a granola bar in shock  \n\\\u003e\"O-oh, that's embarrassing,\" she says sheepishly, thrusting the snack into her sweatshirt pocket. “I thought I cleaned everything out.\"  \n\\\u003eYou suppose it's natural for even anthros to feel self-conscious about their own biological quirks  \n\\\u003eMust be pretty nice to have a pouch like that, though  \n\\\u003e\"Yeah, it's super useful. I mean, when you're not needing it to hold little joeys or anything.\"  \n\\\u003eThe two of you circle back around and start heading toward her place again  \n\\\u003e\"Heh, you know how some humans and anthros stretch their ears out? There are kangaroos who do that to their pouches. Pretty crazy, huh?\"  \n\\\u003eShe tugs at her own as though she were snapping a waistband  \n\\\u003e\"You could fit a grown adult in there like that. Imagine if I could carry you around on walks, or wrap you up like a blanket.\"  \n\\\u003eMarsu stumbles over at her own words  \n\\\u003e\"I-I mean, not YOU specifically, but just...hypothetically, you know? H-ha ha…\"  \n\\\u003eShe goes quiet for the rest of the walk  \n  \n\\\u003eMarsu is back on the couch with a single bound  \n\\\u003eGetting some fresh air certainly helped clear your mind from stress  \n\\\u003eIt also made you aware of the funk from sweat and food litter everywhere  \n\\\u003eThe kangaroo probably has a tolerance to this kind of thing  \n\\\u003eThe game continues getting more difficult, but once you learn each other's strengths you get into a synchronous groove  \n\\\u003eIt also means you start messing with each other a little more  \n\\\u003e\"Hey! You didn't need the health pack! You have a freaking LANCE, and I have to get up there with a claw!\"  \n\\\u003eYou pull the, “I don't know how to play\" card, and that sets her off even more  \n\\\u003e\"No, stop! Cut it out!\"  \n\\\u003eShe's too preoccupied to grab your controller, so instead she uses her feet  \n\\\u003eA large paw is shoved into your face as she tries to distract you  \n\\\u003eIt works, but more from the tickle of her furry toes than from having your vision obstructed  \n\\\u003eEven when you aren't at each other's throats anymore, Marsu keeps her leg up on you in a trance  \n\\\u003eIt can't be that comfortable for her, right?  \n\\\u003eYou almost want to take a peek now that her shorts have ridden up a bit  \n\\\u003eYou know she'd sooner chastise you for taking your eyes off the game than sneaking a look at her underwear  \n\\\u003eOr lack thereof  \n\\\u003eThe end is in sight, and it's obvious you're nearing the final boss  \n\\\u003eYou try to take a swig of your drink, but Marsu's leg drops at the worst possible moment  \n\\\u003eShe knocks it out of your hand and soon your side of the couch is soaked  \n\\\u003e\"Crap!\" she says. “I'm so sorry!\"  \n\\\u003eYou look around for some napkins or towels, but she points urgently at the screen  \n\\\u003e\"No time, I'll just clean it up later!\"  \n\\\u003eYou still need some place to sit  \n\\\u003eThe floor?  \n\\\u003e\"No, wait, it's too gross to sit down there!\"  \n\\\u003eShe's not wrong; you two kind of made the floor disappear under all the junk food  \n\\\u003e\"Um, uh...here, just sit here!\"  \n\\\u003eThe kangaroo scoots back in her seat as far as she can, leaving you some room to sit down  \n\\\u003eOn her lap  \n\\\u003eKnowing Marsu, she's dead serious about it  \n\\\u003eWhatever it takes to save the world, right?  \n\\\u003eYou take your position and Marsu wraps her arms around you so she can still hold her controller, looking over your shoulder  \n\\\u003eIt's the ultimate showdown, and as much as you're trying to focus on the boss battle you're too aware of the senses around you  \n\\\u003eThe vibration of the controllers, Marsu's deep breathing on your neck…  \n\\\u003eYour goal extends beyond just beating the game  \n\\\u003eYou want to impress her, to make her happy  \n\\\u003eWhen it all comes down to you to deliver the final blow, she's leaning into your back  \n\\\u003eYou can feel her heartbeat  \n\\\u003eAnd you don't even realize you've won by the time she drops her controller and gives you a spine-crushing victory hug  \n\\\u003e\"We did it!\"  \n\\\u003eMarsu's rocking you side to side  \n\\\u003eThe ending credits go largely ignored, until they end unceremoniously  \n\\\u003e\"So, that's it...\" she says dejectedly. “We beat the whole thing in a single day.\"  \n\\\u003eYou can't see her face from the way you're sitting, but you imagine it's full of disappointment  \n\\\u003e\"I thought it would last longer. I...really wanted it to. I was looking forward to this day for a while now.\"  \n\\\u003eYou try to twist your head, but there's only so far it can go with her muzzle stopping you  \n\\\u003e\"I just wanted to spend the whole day with you, Anon.\"  \n\\\u003eIt's already mid afternoon, you still thought the two of you would be playing late into the night  \n\\\u003eYou put one hand over her interlocking arms and the other on her sturdy thigh  \n\\\u003eThat's all the encouragement she needs to turn you around and plant her lips on yours  \n\\\u003eShe's still an awkward, nerdy 'roo at heart, but even her inexperienced kisses are full of the same drive as any game she plays  \n\\\u003eShe gives little squeaks as she digs into your mouth, but it's endearing to listen to  \n\\\u003eThe two of you pull away with a little embarrassment, but also relief  \n\\\u003eNow you know what kind of feelings she really has for you  \n\\\u003eAnd already you can feel the years of isolation break away  \n\\\u003e\"Um, Anon.\"  \n\\\u003eMarsu shifts her legs around, hanging them off the couch  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe we can go for another walk? And...\"  \n\\\u003eShe takes your hand and slowly brings it back  \n\\\u003eTo her pouch  \n\\\u003e\"I know we've been on the couch all day, but when we can back maybe we can try something different...\"  \n\\\u003eYour hand slides into her stomach fold, and then…  \n\\\u003eHits something hard and plastic?  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe we could watch a movie instead!\"  \n\\\u003eYou pull out the DVD case  \n\\\u003e[Rumble Mates: THE MOVIE]  \n\\\u003eWow  \n\\\u003eWhat a nerd  \n  \n  \n  \n[[Gamer-oo Two]]  \n  \n\\\u003eWith a little coaxing, you've finally managed to get your red kangaroo gamer girlfriend Marsu out of the house more often  \n\\\u003eA chance to go to new places and try new things  \n\\\u003ePredictably, she just wants to go and play games  \n\\\u003eSo the two of you are heading to Buck and Blaster's for a day of arcade fun  \n\\\u003eAt the very least it has a variety of interactive and physical games to get her off her (cute) butt and be more active  \n\\\u003eIt seems cruel to push her like that, but it's also entirely her idea  \n\\\u003eShe has good intentions, just not the willpower to act on them yet  \n\\\u003eShe has admitted several times she needs more exercise, and you're willing to help her out  \n\\\u003eEven if that means taking VERY small steps to get her there  \n\\\u003eThe place is just as much of a bar and restaurant as it is an arcade  \n\\\u003eThe beeps and chimes of the game machines mix with the rowdy merriment of the diners  \n\\\u003eThis is Marsu's element  \n\\\u003eShe's hopping on her heels in excitement as you pay for your cover fees  \n\\\u003eIt's a good thing you had a filling lunch, because it's obvious the kangaroo isn't going to sit and eat until she gets some entertainment in first  \n\\\u003eIt's so overwhelming she can't even decide what to start with first  \n\\\u003eWhen she does, it isn't even a game  \n\\\u003eIt's the prize counter  \n\\\u003eHunting for the perfect trophy and making a goal to get it   \n\\\u003eSitting on the top shelf is a small all-in-one game console, preloaded with an assortment of classic games  \n\\\u003eHer eyes sparkle and her mouth hangs open  \n\\\u003e\"That!\" she squeals. “That's what I'm working for!\"  \n\\\u003eWhy that?  \n\\\u003eMarsu already owns the real copies of all those included games  \n\\\u003eMultiple copies, too  \n\\\u003e\"B-but…this is more compact! And it's a collector's item!\"  \n\\\u003eAlright, whatever  \n\\\u003eIt's only...400,000 tickets!?  \n\\\u003e\"I'm already almost halfway there!\" she says, stifling a whine and holding up a plastic card stamped with the Buck and Blaster's logo  \n\\\u003eYou're a little concerned how long it took her to even get “almost halfway\"  \n\\\u003e\"Well…if we, um, pool our tickets it'll go faster. And we'll share it anyway!\"  \n\\\u003eIt still seems like a bit of a waste  \n\\\u003eBut as long as she has something to motivate her, then you'll throw your earnings in as well to help her get it  \n\\\u003eMarsu lunges forward and pulls you into a hug  \n\\\u003eShe's acting like you already won the game system  \n\\\u003e\"It's as good as ours!\" she laughs  \n\\\u003eShe skips over to a reload machine and slips some money inside  \n\\\u003eThe number of bills she puts in makes you even more worried now  \n\\\u003eWhen she returns to you she thrusts a plastic card into your chest  \n\\\u003e\"Don't lose this,\" she says sternly  \n\\\u003eYikes  \n\\\u003eHer expression softens back to her eager cheer  \n\\\u003e\"What are we waiting for? Let's go!\"  \n  \n\\\u003eMarsu drags you around the arcade as she analyzes the machines  \n\\\u003eMany of them display their current “jackpot\" payouts and she's on the prowl for the biggest winners  \n\\\u003eUnfortunately, many of the games are already filled up  \n\\\u003eThe kangaroo girl makes frustrated noises as she tries to find a vacant game  \n\\\u003e\"Let's start with that one!\"  \n\\\u003eIt's a simple light game; stop the lights on the right bulb to win big  \n\\\u003eThe jackpot is up to a few hundred, which doesn't seem all that impressive considering how far you have to go  \n\\\u003e\"Yeah, but this will be a fast win,\" Marsu says. “I'm great at these! You'll win almost every time once you have the technique down…\"  \n\\\u003eShe slams the butter down, just one bulb shy of the jackpot  \n\\\u003eA few pity tickets spit out  \n\\\u003e\"Just a warm-up…\"  \n\\\u003eShe slides her card in to pay more credits and hits the button again  \n\\\u003eAnd again  \n\\\u003e5 tickets  \n\\\u003e4 tickets  \n\\\u003e4 tickets  \n\\\u003e2 tickets…  \n\\\u003eEvery time she tries, she gets a little angrier and a little worse  \n\\\u003e\"Crap it all!\" she pouts. “Why don't you try it?\"  \n\\\u003eNow you're almost afraid what will happen if you win instead of her  \n\\\u003e\"Use your fingertips, not your palm. The light is slightly behind the computer trigger, so it's better to hit it too soon rather than too la—“  \n\\\u003e\\*WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP\\*  \n\\\u003eFirst try  \n\\\u003eThe machine flashes wildly as the stream of tickets pours out  \n\\\u003eOoh, she doesn't look happy  \n\\\u003eMarsu grabs you tightly, rubbing her body against yours  \n\\\u003eA…victory hug?  \n\\\u003e\"I'm taking back the good luck I accidently gave you,\" she mutters  \n\\\u003eWhen the tickets stop coming out you grab them and begin to hastily fold them into a neat little stack  \n\\\u003eMarsu rips off a chunk from your stream  \n\\\u003e\"That's going to take forever!\"  \n\\\u003eShe lifts up her sweatshirt far enough for you to see her bare stomach  \n\\\u003eThen she stuffs the tickets into her pouch and gives them a pat for safekeeping  \n\\\u003eGuess she can hang onto them for the both of you  \n\\\u003eThere are still more light games with some respectable jackpots, and you make your rounds harvesting them all  \n\\\u003eMarsu manages to score the big wins more often than you now  \n\\\u003eShe sticks her tongue out with each victory  \n\\\u003eWasn't this supposed to be a joint effort?  \n\\\u003e\"These are still GAMES, duh. There has to be a winner, after all!\"  \n\\\u003eGood lord, this is Rumble Mates all over again  \n\\\u003eSpeaking of which, Marsu eyes an arcade cabinet for her favorite game series lined up among other “legacy machines\"  \n\\\u003e\"Anon! How about a few quick levels?\"  \n\\\u003eYou have to remind the kangaroo what your mission is  \n\\\u003eThese types of games don't even give out tickets  \n\\\u003eMarsu tugs on her ears  \n\\\u003e\"Ooohhh, fine.\"  \n\\\u003eShe looks around and another old machine catches her eye  \n\\\u003eBefore you can stop her, she's already bounding over to it in large paces  \n\\\u003e\"I remember this one!\" she gasps  \n\\\u003eIt's a simple whack-a-dino game  \n\\\u003eThe mallet looks pretty badly damaged, and one of the dinosaur heads can't go back down the hole all the way  \n\\\u003e\"My dad was a pro at this one. He could get the high score with a slice of pizza in the other hand! Then he'd put me on top and I'd stomp on all the dinos with my feet!\"  \n\\\u003eNo wonder they look broken  \n\\\u003eMarsu swipes her card to load on the credits  \n\\\u003eUp pop the dinos, and down comes the mallet  \n\\\u003eHer efforts seem to be held back by some childhood nostalgia  \n\\\u003eRather than fast, calculated motions she's flailing around like crazy  \n\\\u003eShe does a little jump each time she strikes a dino  \n\\\u003eHer total is nowhere near the high score after the last dino burrows back down  \n\\\u003eOnly a short strip of tickets comes out  \n\\\u003eMarsu gives you an embarrassed look as she tucks them into her pouch  \n\\\u003e\"Maybe we should find some other games to play…\"  \n  \n\\\u003eIt's hard to keep Marsu from getting sidetracked  \n\\\u003eShe keeps gravitating back to the high-risk, low-payout games  \n\\\u003eSkee ball, roulette, button-tapping games…  \n\\\u003eYou're never going to get all the tickets you need at this rate  \n\\\u003eBut after a while you realize something  \n\\\u003eShe's having fun, and that's what you came here for  \n\\\u003eGetting that game system was technically HER goal, but you've been more focused on it than she has  \n\\\u003eYou already met your own goal by getting her out of the house  \n\\\u003e\"Anon, we have to try it!\"  \n\\\u003eYour gaze follows where she's pointing: a “Stompin' Beat Beat\" machine  \n\\\u003eArrows on the floor glow invitingly  \n\\\u003eAgain, no prize tickets for playing this sort of thing  \n\\\u003eBut at least it'll be good exercise  \n\\\u003e\"I got in pretty good shape when I was younger playing SBB,\" Marsu says, wiggling her hips  \n\\\u003eThat's one way to get fit, you guess  \n\\\u003eMarsu puts a paw on her belly  \n\\\u003e\"Yeah, I...was kind of a chubby kid. Getting a workout from the arcades was easier than going to a gym. Not as many people to judge you...\"  \n\\\u003eShe swipes her card and the playlist scrolls by  \n\\\u003eThere's a lot of music you've never heard of  \n\\\u003eThat's not the case for Marsu  \n\\\u003eShe oohs and ahhs with each press of the button  \n\\\u003eFinally she settles on some obscure pop group and picks her difficulty  \n\\\u003eIt's a bit higher than what you pick  \n\\\u003eYou're not even sure her difficulty is possible for a human's anatomy  \n\\\u003eMarsu zips herself up to keep everything in her pouch from flying all around, then hops in place for the countdown  \n\\\u003eThe game starts, and the screen is flooded with arrows  \n\\\u003eAt least on half the screen  \n\\\u003eYou can still see the background as your cluster of arrows fly upward, while Marsu's side is completely filled  \n\\\u003eHer long legs thump furiously on the platform, hitting each arrow flawlessly  \n\\\u003eIt's a little distracting, and most of the challenge for you comes from trying to drown out her commotion  \n\\\u003eA few times you feel a gush of wind as the kangaroo's tail whips by  \n\\\u003eYou dodge out of the way just as a powerful swipe nearly takes out your legs  \n\\\u003eThe music subsides and the last arrow floats off  \n\\\u003eThat…could have gone better  \n\\\u003eYour failing score kicks you out of the next round while Marsu takes the center of the platform  \n\\\u003e\"You did…h-hah…you did good,\" she pants. “Now let me…let me show you how it's done!\"  \n\\\u003eThe next round begins and the screen fills up with arrows once more  \n\\\u003eThis time, Marsu's tackling both sides at once  \n\\\u003eDancing and grooving with expert precision  \n\\\u003eAn audience starts to form around you to watch Marsu hit note after note  \n\\\u003eYour attention is focused less on the game and more on Marsu  \n\\\u003eHer thighs flex, her chest bounces around, and her tail seems to lift up whenever she has her back to you  \n\\\u003eYou're the only one not looking at the screen  \n\\\u003eSudden applause snaps you out of the trance  \n\\\u003eThe onlookers are cheering Marsu on as she wheezes for air  \n\\\u003eYou manage to grab her just in time as she stumbles back against you  \n\\\u003eShe squirms around in your arms, a little startled by her fall until she realizes it's just you  \n\\\u003eShe rubs her snout against your face, babbling incoherently  \n\\\u003eMight be a good time for a break…  \n  \n\\\u003eYou and your kangaroo girlfriend refuel in the restaurant side of Buck and Blaster's  \n\\\u003eShe scarfs down nachos and chugs down a really colorful, fruity drink  \n\\\u003eMarsu is a major lightweight when it comes to alcohol, and it doesn't take her long to loosen up  \n\\\u003eShe's flicking chip crumbs and blowing straw wrappers at you  \n\\\u003eOnce she expends all of her ammunition, she resorts to other antics  \n\\\u003eAt first she just smiles dreamily at you as distraction  \n\\\u003eThen you feel her fuzzy toes work their way up your legs to your stomach  \n\\\u003eYou grab her foot and she begins laughing as you tickle it  \n\\\u003e\"N-no! S-stop!\" she snorts  \n\\\u003eAnyone who doesn't see what's going on under the table is probably thinking the kangaroo girl has just gone crazy  \n\\\u003eWhen she settles down and sobers up a bit, Marsu takes out her pile of tickets and untangles them  \n\\\u003e\"Seems like we still have a ways to go,\" she sighs. “I guess we should probably get back out there soon...\"  \n\\\u003eIt's not like you're under a time constraint though, right?  \n\\\u003eIt's only early in the evening, and she can always just load the tickets up on her card again to hang on to for next time  \n\\\u003eMarsu looks like you just told her you're taking all her games away for good  \n\\\u003e\"B-b-but...the system! What if it's not there the next time we come?\"  \n\\\u003eWith a ticket cost that steep, you doubt there's anyone who's going to be cashing in on it in the next few days  \n\\\u003eThe two of you can always come back later in the week  \n\\\u003eMarsu fidgets in her seat  \n\\\u003e\"Alright, but let's at least make a good effort tonight, okay?\"  \n\\\u003eSo you and the 'roo return to the gaming floor after clearing your tab  \n\\\u003eThe bill alone is a pretty convincing incentive to not have to come back another day  \n\\\u003eThe food isn't even THAT good...  \n\\\u003eYou take a lap around the arcade again to check on any machines that have their jackpots built up again  \n\\\u003eMany of the games are getting filled up with other guests again now that the evening rush has arrived  \n\\\u003eMarsu has a look on her face that you recognize from your most intense moments with Rumble Mates  \n\\\u003eIt's a determination she exhibits when she has a clear goal in her sights  \n\\\u003eThe ultimate prize guarded by a boss battle she's confidant she can beat  \n\\\u003eYou suggest splitting off so you can clean up on as many machines as possible, but she clings tightly to you  \n\\\u003eThere's no separating you two tonight  \n\\\u003eYou massage her shoulders while she plays, and she leans over yours when it's your turn  \n\\\u003eMarsu stuffs every large ticket payout into her pouch while you collect the little stubs  \n\\\u003eEventually her belly takes on a lumpy shape as the wads of tickets visible distend her pouch  \n\\\u003eYou suggest that she run to the card reloader to cash in the tickets before something happens to them, but she waves you off  \n\\\u003e\"No time! We're so close!\"  \n\\\u003eLooks like she's been mentally counting every ticket you've earned since the beginning  \n\\\u003eWhat began as a goal of over 200,000 tickets has shrunk to a few thousand  \n\\\u003eThough now with all of the popular machines either occupied or completely expended, the hunt becomes even more nerve-wracking  \n\\\u003eAt one point, Marsu spots a stream of tickets seemingly abandoned at one of the machines  \n\\\u003eShe eyes it like it's a legendary treasure and hops toward it  \n\\\u003eBut before she can get there a little koala boy runs over and snatches them up  \n\\\u003eMarsu has fire in her eyes, and you have to grab her tail to stop her from chasing down the child and tackling him  \n\\\u003eTensions are running a little high, apparently  \n\\\u003eJust then, an open opportunity  \n\\\u003eOne of the game machines that's been constantly occupied since you arrived clears out  \n\\\u003eYou have never seen Marsu jump so far before in a single bound  \n\\\u003eShe practically lands on her rump as she claims the vacant seat, patting the spot next to her for you to sit  \n\\\u003eIt's a betting game  \n\\\u003eYou don't use normal credits; you use actual tickets  \n\\\u003eProbably the worst type of game to play with the two of you being so close to your goal  \n\\\u003eShe's so desperate for that final little stretch she's willing to risk it all  \n\\\u003eAnd Marsu is fully aware of the gamble she's about to make  \n\\\u003eShe keeps you away from her pouch with her leg as she fishes out a particularly long strand  \n\\\u003e\"Just trust me on this one!\" she growls  \n\\\u003eAll you can do now is be her support  \n\\\u003eHer Player Two  \n\\\u003eWhich is probably for the best, because you haven't the slightest idea what's going on as cards and dice and weird arcane ruins fill the already busy screen  \n\\\u003eThough what you DO understand is when she's winning or losing, both from the appropriate graphics on the screen and from the various grunts she makes  \n\\\u003eIt's a good thing the speakers are shot, because the accompanying sounds from the game would probably just add to the anxiety  \n\\\u003eBy the time you pick up on what the stakes are for each move she makes, you're at the “big one\"  \n\\\u003eAnd not by choice  \n\\\u003eMarsu's haste leads her to pressing the wrong button and going all-in for one more bet  \n\\\u003e\"There's no going back now,\" she croaks, knowing full well how badly she screwed up  \n\\\u003eYou can't watch this one  \n\\\u003eThe inevitable disappointment is going to be too much  \n\\\u003eHer nails click on the buttons, and you hear the game sounds make their beeps and chirps  \n\\\u003eThen, all goes quiet  \n\\\u003eYou're afraid to look  \n\\\u003eYou hear Marsu inhale sharply  \n\\\u003e\"No...\"  \n\\\u003eOh boy...  \n\\\u003eYou slowly open your eyes, expecting the worst  \n\\\u003eBut Marsu is smiling broadly and pointing to the game screen  \n\\\u003e[[YOU ARE WINNER!]]  \n\\\u003eShe did it  \n\\\u003e\"I did it! Sorry, didn't mean to make you worry!\"  \n\\\u003eYou almost had a heart attack because of her  \n\\\u003eShe presses her snout against your cheek and gives you little kisses as the tickets come flooding out  \n  \n\\\u003eThe crowd is starting to thin out as Buck and Blaster's goes full “bar mode\"  \n\\\u003eThe place starts closing up to anyone not old enough to drink, meaning a lot of the younger gamers are heading out  \n\\\u003eKind of a shame in a way, since you already hit your goal just as the competition for getting to the best machines subsides  \n\\\u003eWhatever  \n\\\u003eMarsu takes out the massive pile of tickets from her pouch while you gather up your own pitiful number from a cup  \n\\\u003eShe doesn't even need the little stubs she entrusted to you after that last major winning  \n\\\u003e\"What a night, huh?\" she giggles  \n\\\u003eThe two of you make your way over to the ticket counter to cash everything in  \n\\\u003eThat's when Marsu stops cold  \n\\\u003eAhead of you is the young koala boy and what you assume to be his father  \n\\\u003eThere are tears in the kid's eyes as he looks up at the prize wall  \n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry, buddy,\" the father says. “It wasn't 10,000. There was an extra zero in there...\"  \n\\\u003eThe koala boy is staring at a toy gun set with foam bullets  \n\\\u003eThe poor kid must have seen the 100,000 ticket cost sign and though it was only a tenth of that  \n\\\u003eNeither the father nor the prize cashier looks comfortable with the crying boy on their hands  \n\\\u003eIt's enough to get Marsu to start sniffing  \n\\\u003eShe looks at the mass of tickets in her arms  \n\\\u003eBefore you can say anything to her, she's already padding over to the koala and the two adults  \n\\\u003eAll three of them look at her with surprise  \n\\\u003eThe kangaroo girl snaps off part of the ticket mass and hands it to the boy  \n\\\u003eYou don't know how much it is, but it's clearly enough to cover the full cost for the gun set  \n\\\u003eThe koala boy looks up at Marsu like she's a superhero  \n\\\u003eThe father is speechless at first, then he clears his throat  \n\\\u003e\"Miss, are you sure...?\"  \n\\\u003eMarsu shrugs  \n\\\u003e\"Well, he's got them now! I got all the fun I wanted tonight anyway.\"  \n\\\u003eMarsu looks back at you with a knowing smile  \n\\\u003eAll in all, it really was a good night  \n\\\u003eThe koala boy hugs Marsu's legs before him and his father head out with the prize in tow  \n\\\u003eYou congratulate your 'roo girl for her generosity  \n\\\u003eAdmittedly, you're pretty proud of her  \n\\\u003eShe may have her goals and her ambitions, but at least she's learning to play games just for the enjoyment rather than to make everything about the winning  \n\\\u003eMarsu gives you a funny look  \n\\\u003e\"What are you talking about?\"  \n\\\u003eYou ask her the same question  \n\\\u003e\"We're not done here...\"  \n\\\u003eCome again?  \n\\\u003eMarsu laughs, then slides a furry paw underneath your shirt  \n\\\u003e\"We're old enough to be here, you and me,\" she whispers  \n\\\u003eShe rubs your back slowly and nibbles on your ear  \n\\\u003e\"And the place is still open for another couple of hours. More than enough time to replace that hundred grand.\"  \n\\\u003eYour stomach knots up  \n\\\u003eYou might have jumped the gun in thinking she was going to head home with just the satisfaction of an altruistic deed  \n\\\u003eMarsu takes the cup of tickets from your hand and dumps them into her pouch  \n\\\u003e\"Not a bad start. C'mon! If we get that system soon, maybe we can even plug it in tonight and have a few quick games before bed!\"  \n\\\u003eWonderful  \n\\\u003eSpend hours in a brightly lit arcade staring at glowing screens just so you can go home to a dimly lit living room and stare at a glowing screen for hours  \n\\\u003eIt's going to be a long night..."}