[Despite his arrogance and confidence, Bakugo isn't above learning from someone else. Provided the skill is useful to him. As a kid, he wanted to learn everything and picked up a bunch of skills and abilities, but as he got older, he started becoming pickier about what he puts in his arsenal. Apart from some sparring partners, he hasn't added anything from the people in this place. At least battle wise.
Hmph, good to know Chobe's world isn't as black and white as Bakugo used to think his own was. Not sure if that'll do anything to curb this guy's criminal leanings, but... whatever, it might be a start.]
I've seen plenty on both sides, dumbass. Doesn't change my opinion. [He's not going to become a villain and he's going to continue believing in heroes who want to help people. Even if there are outliers on either alignment. Case in point, a year ago, he never would've given Chobe a second glance after exploding him to pieces in front of the store.
Bakugo knees the button on the front of the machine and sends light flashing across the rows of plastic half-globe "buttons" spread over the game's surface. Each semisphere lights up a few times before rhythmic music starts to play.]
Not here. You play this one with your hands. Pay attention.
[All the half-globes light up and go out. Then one shines red and Bakugo smacks it with his hand. Anther one on the lower right lights up blue and he beans the heel of his hand off it. On the screen, the button layout splays across a techno background, lights glowing in time with the music. Bakugo begins matching the lights on the screen with the ones on the machine, keeping to the rhythm as his arms and hands move in quick succession.]
I'm just sayin', if ya cut loose a biiit more, you wouldn't walk around like ya got a stick up your ass.
[Just a little villainy, as a treat!! Even if Bakugo's set in his ways, Chobe's also set on remaining an annoying shoulder devil. Mostly just so he can one day see what this brat can really do. But, he realizes it's like talking to a brick wall at this point. No reason to push it too hard and lose a limb again, as funny as he finds it.
Not to mention, his thoughts are thrown into disarray when the game boots up suddenly. Strobing lights and blaring sounds, it sends Chobe into defensive mode immediately, jumping back, crouched, vines slinking from this arms and under his clothes. One gets alarming close to the screen of the game, nearly piercing it before he freezes. Oh. Right! Video game. He knows this.
He's a quick learner, and easily accepts new things, but ultimately...is still from the 1800s. This shit jumpscares him sometimes. His vines slowly retract as he watches Bakugo play. Huh. It's not unlike how he moves when he's throwing those blasts around, he thinks.]
I don't walk around like that! [Yes he does. Either walks with hunched shoulders and hands in his pockets radiating "fuck off" vibes, or stomps forward with his head up, shoulders back, and arms swinging by his side like an angry badass.]
If I need to blow someone up, I will! [He'll blow them up to the point HE feels comfortable blowing them up and no more. Though since MOST people he fights don't have insane regeneration abilities, they're not looking to tank his harder blasts.
Odds are, Chobe will see what Bakugo can really do when he actually comes to someone's defense. He'll go all out if it means protecting someone he cares about from something that needs his full power. But since the Peacock is far more "make love not war" in its events and antics, the risk of such a thing being remotely necessary is fucking abysmally low.
Bakugo can't help the little snirk of amusement when Chobe suddenly jerks backward like an animal getting startled. Cute. He'll bat aside any potential vine attacks to avoid damaging the game. How the guy got this far into the arcade without getting spooked already is a question... Guess this means his suspicion of Chobe being from a very-past point in time is correct. Likely didn't have electronics.
With a swift double tap, he clears the first stage and cracks his knuckles as the game tallies up his score and begins loading the next round.] Uh-huh. Hand eye coordination and spacial awareness. Nothing here'll let you train your powers, but you can work on your physical ability with a lot of games.
[CLARIFYING THAT QUICKLY FOR YOU, SHOULDER DEVIL!!]
[Get that posture in check Bakugo, there's nothing badass about back pain before your 30s!!
He clicks his tongue, crossing his arms defensively as he settles back into watching proper. He saw that look, and he's just as prideful. He may physically be around 22, but he's lived over a hundred years now, and maybe he's a bit sensitive about new shit actually catching him off guard. He's quickly gotten the gist of phones and TVs and such, so the more basic arcade games aren't that unsettling, but these more elaborate, interactive ones are fucking wild to him. He's fought gods, giants, and monsters, but this DDR/Beat Saber nonsense? Wack.
As a training device, it does make sense though. A fun way to hone your reflexes, as Bakugo explained. Chobe can't really see himself getting into it though, even if he does find himself trying to track the commands too. Welp, if he's not gonna play, he's going to try to recover some of his composure and needle Bakugo instead. ]
Somethin' like that is supposed to help ya? Pfft, yeah right. These things have difficulty levels, yeah? Turn it up.
[His posture is great! And he takes great care of his back and the rest of his body! Let him be a thug.
Luckily for Chobe, Bakugo needs a lot more time to be comfortable enough for teasing. And he doesn't give too much shit about age, whether physical or actual or any other fucking method of determining whatever a proper age is. He usually bases it on how someone acts and whether they're smart or dumb. a 500 year old moron's way less impressive than a 10 year old genius.
Is it any surprise the song Bakugo's picked is a strong one with a good rhythm? Not quite rock and roll, but definitely one to get the blood and sweat pumping. He's on the harder difficulty, arms and hands staying to their respective sides with only crossovers being towards the center where he can safely avoid interfering with his own movements.
Oy! Don't bitch at him over your own stupid jumpscare!]
I'm in the middle of a course, dumbass! You can't turn it up right now!
[Guess who's gonna find himself whacking buttons once Bakugo finishes owning the current course?! HA?! HA?!]
[Average out the years of wisdom and experience with Chobe's reckless and impulsive tendencies...and yeah, he basically has the equivalent of a dangerous frat boy on his hands. He ain't stupid, but he absolutely finds the thrill in swinging a bat at a wasp's nest.
Once he's actually adjusted to its sounds, honestly? Yeah, Chobe can't criticize the choice in music. Good beat, hype vibes. That does make him question if Bakugo ever accidentally blasts the machines with how much of a sweat he works up. Hell, if someone used it after him and conveniently had a lighter or something with them, would they blow up this whole arcade? Hilarious images in Chobe's mind.
Though good luck getting him on that thing. He's not about to embarrass himself willingly, jeeze. He does unconsciously find himself booing a little quieter though, really taking in how it all works.]
Make sure ya don't hit yourself with all that flailin' you're doing.
[Does he have to explain how a machine's programmed as well?! Not gonna happen right now. He's focused on kicking the game's ass and winning that sweet high score! Bakugo's already well aware this guy's a dangerous ass frat boy, but there's something kinda cool about him at the same time. When he's not being a moron. Then again, when you're almost-immortal, you can afford to be reckless and stupid.
HA! Yeah well, the lighter thing could be a problem? But what Bakugo hasn't told Chobe is that his sweat glands on his palm are just as capable of producing normal sweat as they are his explosive sweat. Hell, one of his techniques is to coat his explosive sweat with layers of normal sweat and then leave it somewhere in hopes they'll be ignited later by an outside source. (It's what he did to Chobe during their first fight.) So there's no risk of accidentally blowing something up.]
I'll hit you before I hit myself. [So fucking tempting to "oops" and nail Chobe right in his stupid balls. With a final flurry, Bakugo finishes out the course and slap the last one on the tail end. Colors and sparks fly across the screen and his score tallies up. HA! First place. Time to spit out tickets from below, which he gathers up, tears off, and pockets after folding them into a block]
Your turn. [Bakugo steps to the side and gestures with his head for Chobe to step up.] Don't give me any shit excuses either.
[Multi leveled sweat, amazing. The arcade stays standing another day.
He startles slightly again as the high score music rings out and those tickets are printed. This is so much, is that necessary?? And now why are there tickets, is that like cash??? A pass for something? He grimaces, averting his gaze like a stand offish cat.]
. . .Pass.
[He can be a stubborn brat too when he feels like it, and he frowns, narrowing his eye at the game with suspicion. He could probably follow it well enough--might have a little trouble on his blind side for sure, but it's doable. No though, he just doesn't want to get up there and look like a damn fool, at least while sober. His vines are great for fast long range attacks, and up close and personal, he prefers big, powerful, if slow, blows and kicks. No reason to trip and flail around in public if it doesn't benefit him, right?]
Che. Scared? [He raps the back of his hand on the machine, sending its screen back to the selection. Difficulty, speed, song selection, hell there's even a training mode for people just getting started. He's seen the man's speed already. Tackling something like this should be easy once he gets the hang of it.
Didn't he have the cup game in his home world? Having to track the item under the cups as they switch places around the table. ...yeah well even if they did, Chobe probably never played. Why play for wins when he could punch the owner and walk off with the cash? Too bad Bakugo's stubborn too.] Try it.
[He cycles the machine to a practice round, setting it up in case.]
You can turn the tickets in for vouchers for food, meals, clothes. There's other shit as well, but unless you wanna blow your tickets on dildos, lube, and crap, start with the vouchers.
[It's why Bakugo spends time in the library. High scores win him tickets and he trades them in for the vouchers, earning himself quite the stockpile since the arcade resets its scores frequently.]
Unless you think you can win in the casino all the time.
[And maybe he doesn't want to look silly!! Truthfully despite his "carefree" attitude, he...doesn't tend to play games of any kind. Growing up around bandits, sure he knows a gambling trick or two, but Bakugo's correct. No need to waste time and effort swindling when he could just snap someone's neck and be done with it.
But the hero keeps egging him on. He curls a lip in annoyance, wondering if he should just bounce. But then who's the childish one if he gets scared off by something as petty as this??]
So you play games instead of rolling with the big boys? Not exactly classy. . .
[...........but admittedly smarter than gambling. He prefers the atmosphere of the casino than the arcade for sure though. Fewer flashing lights, plenty of drinks, and more people to rob blind. Still, it's a hassle when security comes after him. And when he plays straight, the payouts aren't always generous.
Uh-huh. Like run away. [Don't think he forgot Chobe's sudden split their first meeting. Forcing him to stay and play is a stupid decision, but being a brat and enticing him? Bakugo not mature enough to avoid stooping. There is one benefit to swindling instead of snapping: the rewards flow doesn't stop if you play the game. Part of him wants to see how quickly Chobe picks up on the game. The other part of him... has other motives. Not gonna admit them to his face.
He cants his head slightly, lips curling in a brief "tsk!" across an annoyed, dismissive expression.]
I play games I can win with skill. I'm not gonna sink money in a game of chance. [He likes to control his efforts. Challenging himself by besting and achieving high scores against people with other skills. Not throwing some shitty dice or hoping you get a good hand and know how to bluff a table. Yeah, there's skill to gambling. Even the slots. But ultimately, it's a risk he doesn't need to take. Not when he can blow throw these things, have a bit of fun, reap repeated rewards, and then spend the rest of the day doing whatever he wants rather than get suckered into recouping losses he incurred by being unlucky.
Chobe agrees to one round and Bakugo taps the button, activating the practice round.] You've got the gist of how you play.
[He noticed the guy watching him, his hands, the screen, enough to figure it out. On the screen, the game begins to cycle through the globes, lighting each one up and waiting for a smack to capture successful hits.]
[A side glare at the sass. That was a tactical retreat thank you very much, but he doesn't say it out loud. That's like straight up admitting he knew he wouldn't have been able to beat Bakugo head on then, and like hell will he give the brat that satisfaction.
Standing here now though, it still feels a bit awkward. He's from a time where every moment meant checking over your shoulders, living a life on the run, terrorizing the underground. The closest thing to relaxing was a drunken celebration of a raid or territory well won, or a trip to a brothel. Just feels...weird to indulge in something so frivolous, so freely.
But, welp, that's later Chobe's existential issue to work out!! The music begins to swell, and he huffs, blowing up at his bangs to keep them out his good eye. Then it starts--maybe not surprisingly, he misses the first few cues as he adjusts to the bright chaos, but after that? Yeah, he's a fast learner. It's just practice mode, so it's not crazy impressive, but a lot can be gleaned from it.
His movements aren't nearly as fast as Bakugo's. Despite his lean stature, he's built for power, not speed. His reflexes are still crazy though, always having to work double time to cover for his blind spot. He also never bothers to use his vines, since it'd defeat the purpose of the exercise. And maybe he can tell from the tension of his muscles, but Chobe's holding back. He barely has to tap at the globes for them to sense any valid input, and one he does tap fully sports a small hairline fracture. Nothing so obvious or deep that it'd break it though.
The round ends, and the game blares out a congratulations, much to Chobe's annoyance. He didn't know he could feel patronized by an inanimate object.]
[Ignored. Bakugo's left with not knowing exactly why Chobe bolted. Likely because he didn't want to deal with him further. Why else would he leave when someone offered to buy him new clothes? Whatever. Wasn't his business to know. And he got him clothes anyways.
He pointedly stays to the side of Chobe. Standing behind someone who's probably spent a long time looking over his shoulder's a bad idea. Red eyes flick between screen, machine pad, and the space behind Chobe, as if keeping watch over the man's shoulder for him.
Heh, someone needs a hairpin to keep his bangs on his crown? Damn, he picks this up fast. As expected. Learning where the buttons are in relation to his hands, picking up the rhythm of the music and the light patterns. Not clunking his hands together either. No shit he won't be as fast; the machine's not spitting out blinking lights at the same speed. But Chobe's reflexes are fast. Likely spent time dodging arrows and other projectiles too. Odd someone with such regeneration would bother with defense...
Yeah, they both hold back. Bakugo could smash right through the arcade cabinet if he bothered with stronger motions. Thanks for not breaking the semi-spheres, Zombie. No comment on the crack. Probably happens a lot anyways. What, does the arcade think ever prisoner's gonna walk in here and play nice?
He evolved from learning in practice mode to getting through a whole round. Maybe he's not hopeless after all. And now Chobe's pouting. A small stream of tickets spits out from the machine's lower chassis.]
[Sorry bud, Chobe's chatty and "friendly" as far as villains go, but his trust runs about as deep as a puddle of flat coke. Let folks know what you're about, but never show your full hand and all that.
He did notice Bakugo watching though, which shouldn't be weird. . .he was doing the same, after all. It is somewhat of a reassurance to have eyes on him. For as much power as he boasts, he's always had someone covering his back, and him their front. Probably the reason he's so reluctant to partake in harmless recreation without some sort of threat display beforehand, but eh. . .he doesn't need to get into that.
He snatches up the tickets, looking them over. Just little pieces of paper. No matter how far humans advance, paper's always a reliable currency, eh? He then snorts, offering them to the hero.]
Nah, you keep 'em. Then you can say we're even for real.
[Are the tickets the same value as the outfit Bakugo got him? Probably not, but it's the thought that counts, right? Maybe? Mostly he simply doesn't trust the gesture, even if he's the one that won them.]
Fun little game, especially for a sweaty little bastard like you. Don't get your hopes up on me becoming your flailing limb dance partner though.
[They're similar in that department, as Bakugo refuses to trust anyone at first. Even his current interaction with Chobe stems of their initial one and still builds from there. But what you see is what you get? Yeah, down for that. Look at his hero name!
Feel free to threaten the arcade machine. It won't give a damn.
Bakugo arches a brow. He half expects Chobe to take a sniff as he scans over the square paper stubs in his hand. But hey, if he's not gonna use them, waste not want not. He accepts the offer, deftly folding them up into a thin stack and pocketing them with the others.]
Fine. [Not sure what for, considering the clothes and all, but if Chobe's holding it all even, go for it. Technically he owed the man a shirt and got him a whole outfit, so this brings them square. He'll put the tickets to good use.]
Hope? Don't fuck with me! The thought never crossed my mind. You'd need a shitload more practice to even consider it.
[It really doesn't make any sense, Chobe simply is just a petty man. How dare he have normal civilian fun. He can't let Bakugo go thinking he appreciated the gesture.
But ah, this is more his speed, back to teasing. The hero's loud as fuck and makes his ears ring, but every over-reaction is comedy gold to him. Will he practice and play more later. . .? Maybe. He'll think about it.]
Awww, really? You weren't lookin' for a buddy to hang at this fancy playground with ya~? Guess you must have pleeenty of friends that can keep up with ya.
[The brat's abrasive and has a literal explosive personality, but Chobe wouldn't be surprised if he had a little gang or admirers. Some people naturally flock to the strongest dog in the yard. Or, sometimes, they'll leave it to become an unstable monster, he supposes.]
You're right though, I fumbled bad. Welp, best never to try ever again!
[At least he played once. Better than then clashing in the middle of the arcade and blowing everything up with a cacophony of explosions and vines. Bakugo isn't here to force Chobe down one path or another (blatant crime in his face notwithstanding) but if he shows him that path and the man chooses to say "fuck off" towards it, all the blame's on him. At the very least he's still responding to taunting. Bakugo can get behind the petty gestures and words.]
What?! Hell no! I'm not making "friends" in this shithole! [The dreaded f-word thrown at him by a punk! How dare he! Takes more than a few interactions to even remotely suggest such a thing!
"Allies" are what he prefers to call them, even though Chobe's not wrong. He has a few, uh... not!friends in the resort. Though only two of them ever occasionally join him in the arcade. It's fine. He gets along well enough, and he's the lone wolf type anyways.]
Che, bullshit and you know it. [The man's not the kind to give up so easily if he's intent on something. Bakugo crosses the arcade again, this time aiming for what looks like a soccer net and tiny patch of turf. He doesn't step up though, instead pausing nearby. Dragging Chobe around the arcade's not necessary.]
Are you sticking with me here or do you wanna hit another area? [Food court for a meal, Talon or Beak for training, shopping district for something stupid and potentially getting into another fight. At least he's making the offer!]
A lonely hero that doesn't want friends?? Tsk tsk, that feels so wrong.
[A faux gasp, looking shocked and offended. It's genuinely funny to him--for as empty as his trust reserves are, Chobe has zero problems calling a friend a friend when he gets that far. Friends and family keep him going (well. mostly family honestly), there's no shame in it. Being in an unfamiliar place like this, it's all the more important. Gotta figure out who you can trust and who you can throw under the bus if need be. Bakugo is firmly in the "push in front of a bus" category for Chobe at the moment, but unfortunately he suspects the guy could simply blow up the bus.
A surprised chuff at the offer. Is the guy just looking for company?? He's not wrong, Chobe will probably slink around the arcade later to acclimate himself more, but likely in the off hours, when there's less of a crowd. He looks over to the soccer area. Kickball. . .He hasn't played shit like that in literal decades.]
Hooh? So you DO wanna hang? You could just say that. [He'd wink if he didn't have his dead eye covered.]
[Don't put words in his damn mouth! Or worse, emotions on his head! Those are his decisions to make for himself, dammit! Chobe's lucky Bakugo doesn't kick him right in his shitty balls for this crap! He grew out of his childhood friendships, his swollen ego and aggressive pride striving to render all his victories and accomplishments his and his alone. Friends were people who got in the way and threatened to distract him or drag him down. Admitting you "need" someone else is a weakness he didn't ever want levied at him. And there's a risk when it comes to friendships. Caring about someone else can be used against you...
Unfortunately, this place is a perverted match maker that likes shoving people together and prattles on about forming "bonds" by people getting to know each other. Intimately. Bakugo has a hard enough time inviting someone to eat with him, let alone do the kind of fucked-up crap the hotel wants him to do. And yet, he's aware he can't topple this damn place, or even exist inside it long, without some interactions. At the very least, he'll decide for himself who he wants to be around and who he opts to trust.
Word of warning, Chobe. Once the arcade switches to "night mode" all the games and prizes become hella perverted. So if you don't wanna earn tickets seeing how far down Dildo Digger you can go or shooting winged vaginas with penis guns, stick with the day mode.]
Haa?! You're the one who ran away last time! [Excuse him for making sure that's not on the proverbial table!]
[NGL, Chobe would find the night arcade hilarious, unfortunately. He is not above a crude sense of humor.
Having such a strong reaction to the jab has Chobe choking back a laugh. Anyone who protests that badly really needs to look within themselves. He wonders though, maybe due to his natural strength, Bakugo just naturally isolates himself? Can't realize you're lonely if you've always been alone. Couldn't be Chobe, he thinks.
But oops, there he goes, turning the tables. Chobe's smile fades at the implication that not hanging out would be "running away." What kind of logic is that? He clicks his tongue, cocking his head.]
Hold up now, I didn't "run away," idiot. You let me escape. I just took the opening.
[That's right, he's flipping it back on Bakugo. A tactical retreat because the hero failed their mission. It totally wasn't because he calculated that he couldn't beat Bakugo head on at the time, no way.]
[Bakugo, to no surprise, avoids the night arcade. He doesn't need dicks shoved in his face or motorcycle games sprouting something questionable from their seats. Plus he uses the arcade to sustain himself in the resort. Doesn't need to waste his time for stupid rewards like lube and mini sex position books.
Tch. He hopes Chobe chokes on his stupid laugh. Violent protesting is SUPPOSED to make it even more obvious how stupid someone is for asking such a dumb question! Ironically, Bakugo used to be a lot friendlier as a child, albeit still with his pride, but growing up with everyone praising him and always being amazing at everything with no one coming close to him, plus a certain incident, really sent him into a foul disposition amid his glowing golden mountain top.
Chobe's smile drops and Bakugo's smirk cranks right up. Very much "gotcha!" spread across his lips. Damn right he's calling the guy out on running away! He called up a fucking hedge and bolted! Even heard the sound of his feet picking up speed and gaining distance!]
Yeah, I let you escape cause you ran away, Zombie. [What opening? He literally invited him to go shopping with him! That wasn't an opening to leave! Still looking smug about it because he thinks he's got the upper hand in this petty spat.]
Maybe you were too chickenshit to chase after me, Sparky!!
[Nah he's absolutely right. Even if it was the most logical move for the moment, Chobe knows it probably looks cowardly from an outside perspective. But even still he can't admit that! Fuck! How dare this brat try to play on his pride??]
You don't get to call me out when you're the one that can't just ask someone a straight question!
[If nothing else, Chobe is honest about his wants and desires, even if they're petty or silly. If that means literally lifting someone up over his shoulders and taking them out to eat, he'll fucking do it. Or teaming up with someone to do some petty crimes. Shout out to Akira (though he refuses to do murder with him, but hey, he's got the spirit.)]
Baaaka, I don't like kicking people when they're down.
[Complete with mature drone of voice and tongue sticking out. Look how mature he is! Truthfully, Bakugo's mostly taunting him for cowardice; he doesn't believe Chobe is. The man made a retreat for his own reasons and it was far more deliberate than running off in fear. He's pretty sure the guy simply had enough of him or didn't want to risk another fight.
It didn't put Bakugo out any. Just meant he dropped off Chobe's clothes at a later date. Honestly, he was kind of relieved he didn't have to go awkward clothes shopping with him.]
I asked you a straight question five minutes ago, dammit!
[Even if Chobe pointed out the simpler question hidden inside it. Bakugo's very honest about his feelings, but only certain ones, as this guy's probably sussed out by now. Anything sappy, mushy, soft, tender, emotional, shit that feels like "weakness" to him, gets locked up behind his bristly walls out of embarrassment and pride.
(Shush. He's currently learning what kind of thief Akira is and we'll see where that goes...)]
The hell you don't!! What kind of King Explosion Murder Dynamight God has mercy?! BULLSHIT.
[Of all the things he's heard so far that's what tips over into disbelief. THIS GUY? NOT KICKING SOMEONE WHEN THEY'RE DOWN? No fucking chance this little bastard would give anyone an inch for fear of them taking a mile. You get the job done no matter what!! Of course, Chobe savors kicking people when they're down. If they didn't want to incur his wrath, they should have known their place from the start!!
There's a twitch of his manic smile at the other implication as well. This brat is just calling him weak with extra steps. The fucking nerve. He takes an overly aggressive step forward, and when his foot comes down, the arcade shakes slightly, causing some slight confusion to the other patrons before they continue on with their games. There's some cracks in the floor where he stands.
This is all due to pride. Awful.]
You talk big for a damn pup, you know that? Alright, how about we play a real game? None of this dancing to lights bullshit like we're fucking moths, pick somethin' that needs some actual skill!
DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, BAKA!! THAT KIND OF SHIT IS PATHETIC!! Beating someone who's already down's a waste of my time!
[There's a difference between kicking someone when they're down and getting the damn job done! Oh sure he'll lord over a victory and trash talk someone he's defeated, even threaten them if they try to get back up. But burning resources when he's already won? He has better things to do. Besides, Bakugo focuses on absolutely crushing his opponents during a fight, defeating them so soundly, they won't even try twitching when they lose. Victory absolute.
Definitely makes his opponent know their place. And rue the day they ended up with Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight as their enemy!
Chobe takes one heavy thunderous step forward, enough to rattle the machines nearby. What the hell kind of weight is that? Was it a shockwave he put out or pure heft alone? Bakugo turns to face him fully and walks right the fuck up to him, a wicked sneer and challenging light plastering all over his face.]
Hoooh? You wanna go, Zombie? Interesting! I'll kick your ass! [Something that has actual skill, huh?] You're not gonna find it in this place. Lets go to Talon and I'll set us up with a real test. Unless you're gonna RUN AWAY halfway there.
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Hmph, good to know Chobe's world isn't as black and white as Bakugo used to think his own was. Not sure if that'll do anything to curb this guy's criminal leanings, but... whatever, it might be a start.]
I've seen plenty on both sides, dumbass. Doesn't change my opinion. [He's not going to become a villain and he's going to continue believing in heroes who want to help people. Even if there are outliers on either alignment. Case in point, a year ago, he never would've given Chobe a second glance after exploding him to pieces in front of the store.
Bakugo knees the button on the front of the machine and sends light flashing across the rows of plastic half-globe "buttons" spread over the game's surface. Each semisphere lights up a few times before rhythmic music starts to play.]
Not here. You play this one with your hands. Pay attention.
[All the half-globes light up and go out. Then one shines red and Bakugo smacks it with his hand. Anther one on the lower right lights up blue and he beans the heel of his hand off it. On the screen, the button layout splays across a techno background, lights glowing in time with the music. Bakugo begins matching the lights on the screen with the ones on the machine, keeping to the rhythm as his arms and hands move in quick succession.]
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[Just a little villainy, as a treat!! Even if Bakugo's set in his ways, Chobe's also set on remaining an annoying shoulder devil. Mostly just so he can one day see what this brat can really do. But, he realizes it's like talking to a brick wall at this point. No reason to push it too hard and lose a limb again, as funny as he finds it.
Not to mention, his thoughts are thrown into disarray when the game boots up suddenly. Strobing lights and blaring sounds, it sends Chobe into defensive mode immediately, jumping back, crouched, vines slinking from this arms and under his clothes. One gets alarming close to the screen of the game, nearly piercing it before he freezes. Oh. Right! Video game. He knows this.
He's a quick learner, and easily accepts new things, but ultimately...is still from the 1800s. This shit jumpscares him sometimes. His vines slowly retract as he watches Bakugo play. Huh. It's not unlike how he moves when he's throwing those blasts around, he thinks.]
The hell? This double as a training method?
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If I need to blow someone up, I will! [He'll blow them up to the point HE feels comfortable blowing them up and no more. Though since MOST people he fights don't have insane regeneration abilities, they're not looking to tank his harder blasts.
Odds are, Chobe will see what Bakugo can really do when he actually comes to someone's defense. He'll go all out if it means protecting someone he cares about from something that needs his full power. But since the Peacock is far more "make love not war" in its events and antics, the risk of such a thing being remotely necessary is fucking abysmally low.
Bakugo can't help the little snirk of amusement when Chobe suddenly jerks backward like an animal getting startled.
Cute.He'll bat aside any potential vine attacks to avoid damaging the game. How the guy got this far into the arcade without getting spooked already is a question... Guess this means his suspicion of Chobe being from a very-past point in time is correct. Likely didn't have electronics.With a swift double tap, he clears the first stage and cracks his knuckles as the game tallies up his score and begins loading the next round.] Uh-huh. Hand eye coordination and spacial awareness. Nothing here'll let you train your powers, but you can work on your physical ability with a lot of games.
[CLARIFYING THAT QUICKLY FOR YOU, SHOULDER DEVIL!!]
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He clicks his tongue, crossing his arms defensively as he settles back into watching proper. He saw that look, and he's just as prideful. He may physically be around 22, but he's lived over a hundred years now, and maybe he's a bit sensitive about new shit actually catching him off guard. He's quickly gotten the gist of phones and TVs and such, so the more basic arcade games aren't that unsettling, but these more elaborate, interactive ones are fucking wild to him. He's fought gods, giants, and monsters, but this DDR/Beat Saber nonsense? Wack.
As a training device, it does make sense though. A fun way to hone your reflexes, as Bakugo explained. Chobe can't really see himself getting into it though, even if he does find himself trying to track the commands too. Welp, if he's not gonna play, he's going to try to recover some of his composure and needle Bakugo instead. ]
Somethin' like that is supposed to help ya? Pfft, yeah right. These things have difficulty levels, yeah? Turn it up.
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Luckily for Chobe, Bakugo needs a lot more time to be comfortable enough for teasing. And he doesn't give too much shit about age, whether physical or actual or any other fucking method of determining whatever a proper age is. He usually bases it on how someone acts and whether they're smart or dumb. a 500 year old moron's way less impressive than a 10 year old genius.
Is it any surprise the song Bakugo's picked is a strong one with a good rhythm? Not quite rock and roll, but definitely one to get the blood and sweat pumping. He's on the harder difficulty, arms and hands staying to their respective sides with only crossovers being towards the center where he can safely avoid interfering with his own movements.
Oy! Don't bitch at him over your own stupid jumpscare!]
I'm in the middle of a course, dumbass! You can't turn it up right now!
[Guess who's gonna find himself whacking buttons once Bakugo finishes owning the current course?! HA?! HA?!]
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[Average out the years of wisdom and experience with Chobe's reckless and impulsive tendencies...and yeah, he basically has the equivalent of a dangerous frat boy on his hands. He ain't stupid, but he absolutely finds the thrill in swinging a bat at a wasp's nest.
Once he's actually adjusted to its sounds, honestly? Yeah, Chobe can't criticize the choice in music. Good beat, hype vibes. That does make him question if Bakugo ever accidentally blasts the machines with how much of a sweat he works up. Hell, if someone used it after him and conveniently had a lighter or something with them, would they blow up this whole arcade? Hilarious images in Chobe's mind.
Though good luck getting him on that thing. He's not about to embarrass himself willingly, jeeze. He does unconsciously find himself booing a little quieter though, really taking in how it all works.]
Make sure ya don't hit yourself with all that flailin' you're doing.
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[Does he have to explain how a machine's programmed as well?! Not gonna happen right now. He's focused on kicking the game's ass and winning that sweet high score! Bakugo's already well aware this guy's a dangerous ass frat boy, but there's something kinda cool about him at the same time. When he's not being a moron. Then again, when you're almost-immortal, you can afford to be reckless and stupid.
HA! Yeah well, the lighter thing could be a problem? But what Bakugo hasn't told Chobe is that his sweat glands on his palm are just as capable of producing normal sweat as they are his explosive sweat. Hell, one of his techniques is to coat his explosive sweat with layers of normal sweat and then leave it somewhere in hopes they'll be ignited later by an outside source. (It's what he did to Chobe during their first fight.) So there's no risk of accidentally blowing something up.]
I'll hit you before I hit myself. [So fucking tempting to "oops" and nail Chobe right in his stupid balls. With a final flurry, Bakugo finishes out the course and slap the last one on the tail end. Colors and sparks fly across the screen and his score tallies up. HA! First place. Time to spit out tickets from below, which he gathers up, tears off, and pockets after folding them into a block]
Your turn. [Bakugo steps to the side and gestures with his head for Chobe to step up.] Don't give me any shit excuses either.
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He startles slightly again as the high score music rings out and those tickets are printed. This is so much, is that necessary?? And now why are there tickets, is that like cash??? A pass for something? He grimaces, averting his gaze like a stand offish cat.]
. . .Pass.
[He can be a stubborn brat too when he feels like it, and he frowns, narrowing his eye at the game with suspicion. He could probably follow it well enough--might have a little trouble on his blind side for sure, but it's doable. No though, he just doesn't want to get up there and look like a damn fool, at least while sober. His vines are great for fast long range attacks, and up close and personal, he prefers big, powerful, if slow, blows and kicks. No reason to trip and flail around in public if it doesn't benefit him, right?]
What are those tickets for?
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Didn't he have the cup game in his home world? Having to track the item under the cups as they switch places around the table. ...yeah well even if they did, Chobe probably never played. Why play for wins when he could punch the owner and walk off with the cash? Too bad Bakugo's stubborn too.] Try it.
[He cycles the machine to a practice round, setting it up in case.]
You can turn the tickets in for vouchers for food, meals, clothes. There's other shit as well, but unless you wanna blow your tickets on dildos, lube, and crap, start with the vouchers.
[It's why Bakugo spends time in the library. High scores win him tickets and he trades them in for the vouchers, earning himself quite the stockpile since the arcade resets its scores frequently.]
Unless you think you can win in the casino all the time.
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[And maybe he doesn't want to look silly!! Truthfully despite his "carefree" attitude, he...doesn't tend to play games of any kind. Growing up around bandits, sure he knows a gambling trick or two, but Bakugo's correct. No need to waste time and effort swindling when he could just snap someone's neck and be done with it.
But the hero keeps egging him on. He curls a lip in annoyance, wondering if he should just bounce. But then who's the childish one if he gets scared off by something as petty as this??]
So you play games instead of rolling with the big boys? Not exactly classy. . .
[...........but admittedly smarter than gambling. He prefers the atmosphere of the casino than the arcade for sure though. Fewer flashing lights, plenty of drinks, and more people to rob blind. Still, it's a hassle when security comes after him. And when he plays straight, the payouts aren't always generous.
Augh.
He steps to the machine, reluctant.]
One round.
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He cants his head slightly, lips curling in a brief "tsk!" across an annoyed, dismissive expression.]
I play games I can win with skill. I'm not gonna sink money in a game of chance. [He likes to control his efforts. Challenging himself by besting and achieving high scores against people with other skills. Not throwing some shitty dice or hoping you get a good hand and know how to bluff a table. Yeah, there's skill to gambling. Even the slots. But ultimately, it's a risk he doesn't need to take. Not when he can blow throw these things, have a bit of fun, reap repeated rewards, and then spend the rest of the day doing whatever he wants rather than get suckered into recouping losses he incurred by being unlucky.
Chobe agrees to one round and Bakugo taps the button, activating the practice round.] You've got the gist of how you play.
[He noticed the guy watching him, his hands, the screen, enough to figure it out. On the screen, the game begins to cycle through the globes, lighting each one up and waiting for a smack to capture successful hits.]
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Standing here now though, it still feels a bit awkward. He's from a time where every moment meant checking over your shoulders, living a life on the run, terrorizing the underground. The closest thing to relaxing was a drunken celebration of a raid or territory well won, or a trip to a brothel. Just feels...weird to indulge in something so frivolous, so freely.
But, welp, that's later Chobe's existential issue to work out!! The music begins to swell, and he huffs, blowing up at his bangs to keep them out his good eye. Then it starts--maybe not surprisingly, he misses the first few cues as he adjusts to the bright chaos, but after that? Yeah, he's a fast learner. It's just practice mode, so it's not crazy impressive, but a lot can be gleaned from it.
His movements aren't nearly as fast as Bakugo's. Despite his lean stature, he's built for power, not speed. His reflexes are still crazy though, always having to work double time to cover for his blind spot. He also never bothers to use his vines, since it'd defeat the purpose of the exercise. And maybe he can tell from the tension of his muscles, but Chobe's holding back. He barely has to tap at the globes for them to sense any valid input, and one he does tap fully sports a small hairline fracture. Nothing so obvious or deep that it'd break it though.
The round ends, and the game blares out a congratulations, much to Chobe's annoyance. He didn't know he could feel patronized by an inanimate object.]
There, I did it. Happy?
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He pointedly stays to the side of Chobe. Standing behind someone who's probably spent a long time looking over his shoulder's a bad idea. Red eyes flick between screen, machine pad, and the space behind Chobe, as if keeping watch over the man's shoulder for him.
Heh, someone needs a hairpin to keep his bangs on his crown? Damn, he picks this up fast. As expected. Learning where the buttons are in relation to his hands, picking up the rhythm of the music and the light patterns. Not clunking his hands together either. No shit he won't be as fast; the machine's not spitting out blinking lights at the same speed. But Chobe's reflexes are fast. Likely spent time dodging arrows and other projectiles too. Odd someone with such regeneration would bother with defense...
Yeah, they both hold back. Bakugo could smash right through the arcade cabinet if he bothered with stronger motions. Thanks for not breaking the semi-spheres, Zombie. No comment on the crack. Probably happens a lot anyways. What, does the arcade think ever prisoner's gonna walk in here and play nice?
He evolved from learning in practice mode to getting through a whole round. Maybe he's not hopeless after all. And now Chobe's pouting. A small stream of tickets spits out from the machine's lower chassis.]
Ecstatic. Those are yours.
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He did notice Bakugo watching though, which shouldn't be weird. . .he was doing the same, after all. It is somewhat of a reassurance to have eyes on him. For as much power as he boasts, he's always had someone covering his back, and him their front. Probably the reason he's so reluctant to partake in harmless recreation without some sort of threat display beforehand, but eh. . .he doesn't need to get into that.
He snatches up the tickets, looking them over. Just little pieces of paper. No matter how far humans advance, paper's always a reliable currency, eh? He then snorts, offering them to the hero.]
Nah, you keep 'em. Then you can say we're even for real.
[Are the tickets the same value as the outfit Bakugo got him? Probably not, but it's the thought that counts, right? Maybe? Mostly he simply doesn't trust the gesture, even if he's the one that won them.]
Fun little game, especially for a sweaty little bastard like you. Don't get your hopes up on me becoming your flailing limb dance partner though.
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Feel free to threaten the arcade machine. It won't give a damn.
Bakugo arches a brow. He half expects Chobe to take a sniff as he scans over the square paper stubs in his hand. But hey, if he's not gonna use them, waste not want not. He accepts the offer, deftly folding them up into a thin stack and pocketing them with the others.]
Fine. [Not sure what for, considering the clothes and all, but if Chobe's holding it all even, go for it. Technically he owed the man a shirt and got him a whole outfit, so this brings them square. He'll put the tickets to good use.]
Hope? Don't fuck with me! The thought never crossed my mind. You'd need a shitload more practice to even consider it.
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But ah, this is more his speed, back to teasing. The hero's loud as fuck and makes his ears ring, but every over-reaction is comedy gold to him. Will he practice and play more later. . .? Maybe. He'll think about it.]
Awww, really? You weren't lookin' for a buddy to hang at this fancy playground with ya~? Guess you must have pleeenty of friends that can keep up with ya.
[The brat's abrasive and has a literal explosive personality, but Chobe wouldn't be surprised if he had a little gang or admirers. Some people naturally flock to the strongest dog in the yard. Or, sometimes, they'll leave it to become an unstable monster, he supposes.]
You're right though, I fumbled bad. Welp, best never to try ever again!
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What?! Hell no! I'm not making "friends" in this shithole! [The dreaded f-word thrown at him by a punk! How dare he! Takes more than a few interactions to even remotely suggest such a thing!
"Allies" are what he prefers to call them, even though Chobe's not wrong. He has a few, uh... not!friends in the resort. Though only two of them ever occasionally join him in the arcade. It's fine. He gets along well enough, and he's the lone wolf type anyways.]
Che, bullshit and you know it. [The man's not the kind to give up so easily if he's intent on something. Bakugo crosses the arcade again, this time aiming for what looks like a soccer net and tiny patch of turf. He doesn't step up though, instead pausing nearby. Dragging Chobe around the arcade's not necessary.]
Are you sticking with me here or do you wanna hit another area? [Food court for a meal, Talon or Beak for training, shopping district for something stupid and potentially getting into another fight. At least he's making the offer!]
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[A faux gasp, looking shocked and offended. It's genuinely funny to him--for as empty as his trust reserves are, Chobe has zero problems calling a friend a friend when he gets that far. Friends and family keep him going (well. mostly family honestly), there's no shame in it. Being in an unfamiliar place like this, it's all the more important. Gotta figure out who you can trust and who you can throw under the bus if need be. Bakugo is firmly in the "push in front of a bus" category for Chobe at the moment, but unfortunately he suspects the guy could simply blow up the bus.
A surprised chuff at the offer. Is the guy just looking for company?? He's not wrong, Chobe will probably slink around the arcade later to acclimate himself more, but likely in the off hours, when there's less of a crowd. He looks over to the soccer area. Kickball. . .He hasn't played shit like that in literal decades.]
Hooh? So you DO wanna hang? You could just say that. [He'd wink if he didn't have his dead eye covered.]
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[Don't put words in his damn mouth! Or worse, emotions on his head! Those are his decisions to make for himself, dammit! Chobe's lucky Bakugo doesn't kick him right in his shitty balls for this crap! He grew out of his childhood friendships, his swollen ego and aggressive pride striving to render all his victories and accomplishments his and his alone. Friends were people who got in the way and threatened to distract him or drag him down. Admitting you "need" someone else is a weakness he didn't ever want levied at him. And there's a risk when it comes to friendships. Caring about someone else can be used against you...
Unfortunately, this place is a perverted match maker that likes shoving people together and prattles on about forming "bonds" by people getting to know each other. Intimately. Bakugo has a hard enough time inviting someone to eat with him, let alone do the kind of fucked-up crap the hotel wants him to do. And yet, he's aware he can't topple this damn place, or even exist inside it long, without some interactions. At the very least, he'll decide for himself who he wants to be around and who he opts to trust.
Word of warning, Chobe. Once the arcade switches to "night mode" all the games and prizes become hella perverted. So if you don't wanna earn tickets seeing how far down Dildo Digger you can go or shooting winged vaginas with penis guns, stick with the day mode.]
Haa?! You're the one who ran away last time! [Excuse him for making sure that's not on the proverbial table!]
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Having such a strong reaction to the jab has Chobe choking back a laugh. Anyone who protests that badly really needs to look within themselves. He wonders though, maybe due to his natural strength, Bakugo just naturally isolates himself? Can't realize you're lonely if you've always been alone. Couldn't be Chobe, he thinks.
But oops, there he goes, turning the tables. Chobe's smile fades at the implication that not hanging out would be "running away." What kind of logic is that? He clicks his tongue, cocking his head.]
Hold up now, I didn't "run away," idiot. You let me escape. I just took the opening.
[That's right, he's flipping it back on Bakugo. A tactical retreat because the hero failed their mission. It totally wasn't because he calculated that he couldn't beat Bakugo head on at the time, no way.]
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Tch. He hopes Chobe chokes on his stupid laugh. Violent protesting is SUPPOSED to make it even more obvious how stupid someone is for asking such a dumb question! Ironically, Bakugo used to be a lot friendlier as a child, albeit still with his pride, but growing up with everyone praising him and always being amazing at everything with no one coming close to him, plus a certain incident, really sent him into a foul disposition amid his glowing golden mountain top.
Chobe's smile drops and Bakugo's smirk cranks right up. Very much "gotcha!" spread across his lips. Damn right he's calling the guy out on running away! He called up a fucking hedge and bolted! Even heard the sound of his feet picking up speed and gaining distance!]
Yeah, I let you escape cause you ran away, Zombie. [What opening? He literally invited him to go shopping with him! That wasn't an opening to leave! Still looking smug about it because he thinks he's got the upper hand in this petty spat.]
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[Nah he's absolutely right. Even if it was the most logical move for the moment, Chobe knows it probably looks cowardly from an outside perspective. But even still he can't admit that! Fuck! How dare this brat try to play on his pride??]
You don't get to call me out when you're the one that can't just ask someone a straight question!
[If nothing else, Chobe is honest about his wants and desires, even if they're petty or silly. If that means literally lifting someone up over his shoulders and taking them out to eat, he'll fucking do it. Or teaming up with someone to do some petty crimes. Shout out to Akira (though he refuses to do murder with him, but hey, he's got the spirit.)]
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[Complete with mature drone of voice and tongue sticking out. Look how mature he is! Truthfully, Bakugo's mostly taunting him for cowardice; he doesn't believe Chobe is. The man made a retreat for his own reasons and it was far more deliberate than running off in fear. He's pretty sure the guy simply had enough of him or didn't want to risk another fight.
It didn't put Bakugo out any. Just meant he dropped off Chobe's clothes at a later date. Honestly, he was kind of relieved he didn't have to go awkward clothes shopping with him.]
I asked you a straight question five minutes ago, dammit!
[Even if Chobe pointed out the simpler question hidden inside it. Bakugo's very honest about his feelings, but only certain ones, as this guy's probably sussed out by now. Anything sappy, mushy, soft, tender, emotional, shit that feels like "weakness" to him, gets locked up behind his bristly walls out of embarrassment and pride.
(Shush. He's currently learning what kind of thief Akira is and we'll see where that goes...)]
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[Of all the things he's heard so far that's what tips over into disbelief. THIS GUY? NOT KICKING SOMEONE WHEN THEY'RE DOWN? No fucking chance this little bastard would give anyone an inch for fear of them taking a mile. You get the job done no matter what!! Of course, Chobe savors kicking people when they're down. If they didn't want to incur his wrath, they should have known their place from the start!!
There's a twitch of his manic smile at the other implication as well. This brat is just calling him weak with extra steps. The fucking nerve. He takes an overly aggressive step forward, and when his foot comes down, the arcade shakes slightly, causing some slight confusion to the other patrons before they continue on with their games. There's some cracks in the floor where he stands.
This is all due to pride. Awful.]
You talk big for a damn pup, you know that? Alright, how about we play a real game? None of this dancing to lights bullshit like we're fucking moths, pick somethin' that needs some actual skill!
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[There's a difference between kicking someone when they're down and getting the damn job done! Oh sure he'll lord over a victory and trash talk someone he's defeated, even threaten them if they try to get back up. But burning resources when he's already won? He has better things to do. Besides, Bakugo focuses on absolutely crushing his opponents during a fight, defeating them so soundly, they won't even try twitching when they lose. Victory absolute.
Definitely makes his opponent know their place. And rue the day they ended up with Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight as their enemy!
Chobe takes one heavy thunderous step forward, enough to rattle the machines nearby. What the hell kind of weight is that? Was it a shockwave he put out or pure heft alone? Bakugo turns to face him fully and walks right the fuck up to him, a wicked sneer and challenging light plastering all over his face.]
Hoooh? You wanna go, Zombie? Interesting! I'll kick your ass! [Something that has actual skill, huh?] You're not gonna find it in this place. Lets go to Talon and I'll set us up with a real test. Unless you're gonna RUN AWAY halfway there.
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