The Reconstruction of Plaza [Crankshaft Rafflesian]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

[image description: Dotty's POV, a crane machine from a arcade filled with plushes with a single lever and button to control]

You are swallowed by a dim room filled with the noise of whirring machines and people talking. Groups of friends, couples on dates, rows of rhythmic based dance games taken up by diehards with towels ready to wipe down after. 

You'd never actually been to one of these yourself but there's enough of them in this region that you get the rough gift of them. 

You feel a little out of place, you didn't really know a single thing about this rabbit you were with but she was quick to invite you. It can't really be that straightforward, right? There's a whole dance to this-

Lex: Dance cabs are all taken up right now... 

Dotty: That right? Are they your favorite or-

Lex: A little? At least when I've got someone else with me. You ever messed with them before? 

Dotty: Not really, it's kinda all new to me... 

Lex: Really?

She tilted her head at you.

Dotty: Yeah... is that weird? 

Lex: You're a Rancher, right? Like... you're native to this place. 

Dotty: Yeah.. 

Lex: Like... I didn't even know you guys were still around like that but... I dunno. 

Dotty: Something wrong..? 

Lex: Guess just... you guys are like vintage or something? You don't sound all that old though... 

Dotty: It's complicated.... refurbishing program. 

Lex: Oh! You were rebuilt... 

Dotty: Y-yeah! So I don't really remember much to begin with.... 

Lex: Were you like just.. dormant in some old government office or-

Dotty: Kinda? It's a bit of a buzzkill though, maybe like.. 

Lex: I can back off, no biggie. 

A little smile. 

You feel relaxed at that...

Dotty: Yeah? I mean well... Yeah. 

Lex: For now then let's work off vibe, yeah? 

Dotty: Uh.... 

Lex: You see a machine you like? We can check it out. 

Your eyes zoom around the room, you're a little overwhelmed trying to make heads from tails with all the colors and lights flashing about... 

It isn't before long that you've honed in on something you do recognize: 

Those old prize crane games lined in a row... you're not too shabby at those. 

Maybe if you impress her.... 

Dotty: That one right there. 

You pointed over. 

Lex: Huh... you sure? Like if you're new to this-

Dotty: Got a few by where I work, I kinda know the deal with them... 

Lex: Really? I mean like... sure I guess! Uh... you brought change or-

Dotty: I got cash for this, no worries. 

Lex: Alright, don't go broke though.

You led the way for once, the rabbit watching you with a sweet look on her face when you check over your shoulder. 

Dotty: You seem happy.. 

Lex: Just having a good day so far, you feel me? Like... something about the vibe right now just feels good. Know what I mean?

Dotty: Think I get it... 

You placed your hands down, getting a feel for the lever with one hand and shifting around your pockets for cash with the other. Your reflection looks back at you against the glass framing of the machine, a permanent smile on your face and tired glowing eyes.. 

Even with it painted on it doesn't feel entirely wrong today... 

Dotty: You got any sort of preference? 

You gestured over to the various stuffed toys inside of the machine.

Lex: Surprise me, long as you don't go broke. 

Dotty: I can almost promise that.

Lex: Almost? 

You pull out a bill from your pocket and slap it in, feeling around the room. 

There's a really cute stuffed dog but it's way too buried to get it anytime soon.. 

It'd be cliche but there's a big bunny you could potentially snag... There's one plush wedging it too hard to get but....

With a little finesse, you lead the claw toward a plush and and grab it without issue. 

Lex: Oh wow!  You're not too-

Dotty: Give me a sec, not done. 

Lex: But you won right? Like-

Second bill in, grab the big guy and tip it over a little. Position is almost just right but it was held down by another smaller plush.. 

Lex: Ah! You can just like.. you don't gotta go that far for me-

Another bill in, this time a stuffed jellyfish with a strawberry pattern. 

Lex: ..Huh. You do these a lot or-

Dotty: Maybe.. mostly just helping other people when they get stuck I guess. Hang on. 

Another bill. This time things are perfectly aligned, the big rabbit captured without any issue. 

You reach down and grab the bundle of plushies, holding them out. 

THe rabbit's eyes are lit up.

Lex: You know I don't think anyone's ever like, won one of these for me.. 

Dotty: Has anyone tried? 

Lex: I dunno, probably.. 

Dotty: Is it too corny? I can like..

Lex: Not at all! Just one of those like, things that come up on tv and movies and stuff but I never thought would happen to me... 

Dotty: I mean... why not? 

Lex: Cause most people suck at these things, I couldn't do it. 

Dotty: Yeah well...  You know? Have to be good at something I guess.. 

Lex: Yeah... 

Her face seemed lost for a moment, lingering a little on the moment with a mixture of warmth and sadness.

Not sure what you said or did but... maybe you should pivot while the chance remains. 

Dotty: You eat today or-

Lex: ...We just came here from the diner?

Dotty: Right.. 

Lex: You hungry again already or... ? 

Dotty: Not really? I wouldn't mind looking at dessert though. And your friends probably met up by now, no? 

Lex: Yeah.. yeah good point. We'll go check in on them and then grab something sweet. 

Dotty: Sounds good. Leads the way.