The Reconstruction of Plaza [Crankshaft Rafflesian]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

It doesn't take you long to reach your usual spot, a burger joint linking a corner between a quiet and busy part of the area. Folks tend to crash at places like this after  along work day all the time. 

You walk up to the register, handle your business politely, and without much wait you find yourself with a wonderful burger in hand. 

You can't help but listen in to the conversations of others most days, but sometimes they're kind of outlandish even by your standards... 

Confident Rabbit: I'm just saying, TCP everything sounds like a bit of a conspiracy job. Like... that implies that other cat folks are default. 

Tired Rabbit: I mean... which came first? 

Confident Rabbit: I dunno, I wasn't there. But like.. they just show up? 

Tired Rabbit: It happens. 

Confident Rabbit: Out of the void? Nah.. your move by the way. 

Tired Rabbit: Yeah I'm working on it. Stand 3, Sentry 1. Pass. 

Confident Rabbit: No push? 

Tired Rabbit: I got advantage, I'm good. 

Confident Rabbit: Need to pull the trigger at some point.. 

Tired: Maybe. But like... what makes you think it's any different? Shit happens like that with all sorts of magic weird folks..

Confident Rabbit: Never seen a TCP squat. Never seen Bruce and a TCP in the same room togeth-

Tired Rabbit: Bruce is not a six inch tall cat!

Confident Rabbit: And why not? Give me a reason.  

You hear a tap on the table

Tired Rabbit: That's just kinda bullshit.

Confident Rabbit: My board or Bruce?

Tired Rabbit: Both. Fuck your deck dude...

You take a look over, they seem to be playing some kind of game with the food trays aside and covered with wrappers. 

They must be the type to sit here as long as the staff will let them, pretty typical.

Confident Rabbit: Like the origin of TCP, someone is making them and throwing them onto the streets to see what happens.

Tired Rabbit: But why though...?

Confident Rabbit: Social experiment, someone wants to test man's mettle and moral standing.

Tired Rabbit: I don't think tiny cat people are going to make you a better person by existing... 

Confident Rabbit: I mean it could, weirder things happen. 

Tired Rabbit: So like, at some point whoever is making them wants to get results.. ah fuck scoop. 

Confident Rabbit: Really? Not gonna try to play out the rest of the match? 

Tired Rabbit: Nah dude, like what am I supposed to do? 

Confident Rabbit: Uhh draw the out.

Tired Rabbit: You sniped the out!

Alright, you kind of have to ask. You look around just to be sure things are clear before stepping up from your spot and making your way over. 

The two look over at you briefly before whispering amongst themselves. 

Dotty: You playing something? 



Confident Rabbit: Yeah, that a issue or-

Dotty: No! Just wondering a bit. Scoop, snipe, what's all that mean?

Confident Rabbit: Shorthand stuff, quick words people use to uh... like. 

Tired Rabbit: It's a game with cards so you gotta like, communicate it.

Confident Rabbit: Yeah, what she said. 

Dotty: And this is just something you guys play regularly? 

Confident Rabbit: Yep, got some local shops that host events on weekends. 

Tired Rabbit: Been missing out a lot cause dueling seasons been active as hell. 

Confident Rabbit: You've been grinding pretty hard. 

Tired Rabbit: Yeah...

Dotty: Are you sponsored or-

Tired Rabbit: Nah.. it'd be nice though. You work with the federation? 

Dotty: Sorta, government veteran's program. It's uh.. 

Tired Rabbit: Rabbit: Veteran? You don't look that old...

Confident Rabbit: Yeah, those folks are seniors.

Dotty: It's a long story...

The scruffy rabbit adjusts his glasses while looking over at your outfit. 

Confident Rabbit:  So like, you just wrap up work for the day or are you heading to your shift?

Dotty: Uh... I mean I'm off right now. 

Confident Rabbit: Should change out then. Gonna make folks think you're on duty. 

Dotty: It's all I've really got to wear-

Tired Rabbit: You do any competition or just ref?

Dotty: Latter. Don't like fighting all that much honestly.. scared to hurt people. 

Confident Rabbit: Good answer. 

Is it really? Is someone who hates being around fighting the best for a job that asks you to be around it?

I guess when your whole point is to break things up when they go too far...

Dotty: So like, you two here often?

Confident Rabbit: Usually a bit closer to the Mallcade.

Tired Rabbit: I was feeling this place today so I forced him to meet me here. 

Confident Rabbit: Yeah. We got another guy coming in later but he's in the middle of closing shop. Weekend swap meet type deal, best ask him directly.. 

Tired Rabbit: Is Spice coming too? 

Confident Rabbit: No clue, should text him.. Anyway.

Confident Rabbit: Kurt. 

Dotty: Uh..

Confident Rabbit: My name. 

Tired Rabbit: Lex, guessing you go there often too? Kind of a high profile sports center there so like.. 

Dotty: Dotty, there to monitor events but like.. not really there to play myself. Never been my thing I guess... 

Kurt: Think we got room for one more? 

Lex: Depends, whatcha think?

The rabbit's little smile gets a response at of you, hairs standing as you're put on the spot. 

Dotty: I mean.. sure? Can't say I'll be all that fun but-

Kurt: You'll catch up quick. 

He turns his head behind you, 

Kurt: Your shit's gonna get cold though-

Dotty: I'll just ask for a bag..

Lex: No rush. You can scoot over with us if you'd like.. 

Dotty: You sure? 

Lex: Yeah!

She scooted in toward the wall, making a spot for you. 

Lex: Give us time to wrap up our game, still got round 3 but we can explain. 

Kurt: Then you better put on a better show for her, played like ass. 

Lex: Yeah well... 

You give them both a little nod. 

You go ahead and bring over your tray of food.

Lex pats down the booth seat before you slide your way in. 

The foil on the cards catch your eyes as the two clear up their table and shuffle things together. 

Dotty: Shiny.. 

Kurt: Better be, shit costs a pretty penny.

Dotty: So like... is it expensive to get into then-

Kurt: Yes!
Lex: Yeah...

Dotty: Ah... 

Don't buy into anything you'll regret later, just let them lead and back out if you need.