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[waitingforplayer2]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, CHIAKI NANAMI.

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<galagamer> This is Chiaki Nanami.
<galagamer> I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

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[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami's starting to get your number, Trish, she recognizes that tail wag. Bears are basically big dogs anyway, right? ]

I think... we should try. [ It's-- she's going to be more cumbersome like this, but... maybe it would work? She looks down at her roots. ]

If it's not painful for you... maybe these can hold on...

[ She carefully takes Trish's shoulders - her leafy hands are gentle. Then she tries to lift herself up.

Her roots... do not want to come up, actually. They like being grounded. She hesitates. ]

Can you stand? [ Tries to get a good grip on Trish. This might take a bit of strength - do you even lift, Trish? ]

[figlia_morbida]

[They are not big dogs!! But the languid to-and-fro of that curled, fluffy tail betrays a relaxed mood. Anyone who has made her upset would immediately recognize the sheer contrast of it compared to the agitated, rapid swishing tail of an unhappy werebear.

She's not as subtle as she'd like to think, either way, and she listens to Nanami's concern with a tilt of her head.

Would the roots be painful...? Maybe if there was no buffer, but her fur is so thick it takes some time for water to reach her skin during her morning shower, and it takes even longer to dry off once her fur is properly soaked. No, she doesn't think the roots will be a problem.

Nanami seems willing to try it still, and Trish feels the odd sensation of the leafy facsimile of hands gripping her shoulders. As for that question, she responds by planting a fuzzy foot on the floor, changing her stance to a kneeling one.]

Only if you're sure you're not going to fall.

[In her mind, Nanami's question might seem silly, but it's also a reminder that she doesn't look like the type to be able to do this because in a proper reality? She isn't. But being a monster means nothing makes sense anymore, so what the hell ever.

Carefully, Trish will stand, although she's not sure what to do if Nanami falls. At worst, Nanami will simply be back where she started, and hopefully not too startled. Can trees bruise?]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami grips Trish's shoulders tight. Her roots protest, but Nanami wills them up, and holds on.

What tendrils had been inching their way into the floor, release their purchase, and the tree girl comes loose suddenly. She clutches onto Trish, holding on, and her roots dangle-- but begin to look for new purchase.

In a method not terribly unlike how her tentacles previously behaved, Nanami's roots seek something else to hold onto - Nanami's got good arm strength, but it's not the most comfortable for all her weight to be dangling like that. So a few of them begin to lay themselves on Trish's back-- one, then another, then another, with a few gently draping over the sides, Nanami working hard to will them not to hold too tight-- or worse, attempt to take root. It's just an extra way to balance herself. ]

How-- how's that? Does... does it hurt? [ She's perched on Trish's back, but it's-- somewhat less precarious than when they were in the water together. This is going to take some getting used to. ]

[figlia_morbida]

[It's radically different to their time in the lake. There, Nanami melded almost seamlessly to her form with a body that was squashy and elastic, and now...she's stiff bark all over, her movements slower and more uncertain. Trish doesn't have that appetite for discovery anymore, for her part, but that's immaterial when Nanami is not a soft and wet thing touching her.

No, the tree change may in fact be fate smiling on them and their odd dynamic.

Anyways, Nanami comes free from the floor, and her roots cling to Trish's back and middle. Trish is skinny, and hopefully that makes it easier for the nymph to grip rather than more difficult. Less surface area, sure, but a more secure grip when opposite roots can parallel one another.

The grip isn't too tight either, although it's a little strange to essentially be hugged from behind by a tree. She can feel the toughness of every root, but her fur is an excellent cushion, and she glances over her mottled shoulder at Nanami.]

Not at all. How is it for you?

[She seems secure, but Trish doesn't know how much effort it's taking for her leafy passenger to hold on.]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ It feels comfortable. It feels familiar, actually, even though this isn't a stunt they've done very often yet. Hearing that Trish isn't in any pain or even discomfort helps the nymph to relax even more; she drapes herself over Trish's shoulders, and allows her roots to get a slightly more secure purchase, entangling with each other as they hold on. ]

It's good. [ The quiet little sigh she makes sounds very much like one of relief. ] I... I think I'm ready.

[ Hopefully her fronds aren't tickling Trish in the face too much, given her position. ]

[figlia_morbida]

[It's always odd to have someone hanging on to her, but it's not done without permission, and it's ultimately done to help.

Nanami seems happy with the arrangement, particularly, and Trish has to subtly angle her head up and down to push a frond under her chin. Tragic, that Nanami doesn't get to see the way the werebear's face screwed up when the aforementioned frond brushed her nose. That tickled!

Once that's done, it's time to get moving, and Trish takes a few experimental steps around the room to see how Nanami does. She's not very heavy for a tree, and has a pleasant smell, actually. Like the forest itself, shrunken to the microcosm of Nanami's person. However, that's a weird thought to have, and Trish crushes it under her metaphorical heel.

Anyway.]

Yes, you seem plenty steady. Are you ready to head out?

[Or...will she lose her nerve?]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ The longer she holds onto Trish, the more natural it feels to stay put, like a big piece of lichen attached to the back of her friend. There's still not enough pressure on the werebear to cause discomfort or pain, but her roots wiggle freely where they aren't gripping Trish's sides, a sign of Nanami's growing comfort.

It's odd, perhaps, that Nanami feels more comfortable on Trish's back than she did on the floor of her apartment, in the sunbeam - but then again, perhaps it's not so odd. The apartment is artificial and Trish certainly isn't. She's a trusted friend and a part of the natural (monster) world, just like Nanami is.

There's something in there, some deep nymph instinct that Nanami might be tapping into, but the nature of it escapes her for now. So instead she nods, probably getting her fronds in Trish's face again. ]

Yeah. Wait... [ She leans down from where she's hanging, grabs her bag, and hoists it over her own shoulder. ] Okay, I'm ready.

[figlia_morbida]

[Perhaps the tree part of Nanami also balked at being on the floor, which is made of wood. Then again, trees compete with one another, and the one that's been transformed into floor boards is already dead and duly defeated. Thus the tree brain should be pleased, right? Who knows! Certainly not Trish.

In any case, Nanami nodding dislodges the fronds Trish had trapped, and she gets them run under her nose once more in a manner not unlike feathers in a slapstick comedy.

Trish's face twists up twice as much with the added motion, too, the werebear angling her head up and away again so she can trap those traitorous leaves before they can tickle her any further. What if sneezing dislodges Nanami!!! Not permitted.

But Nanami leans again, and those fronds come right back when she does, and thrice is Trish attacked.

Thus, the werebear sneezes.

It's actually anticlimactic. The world's squeakiest sneeze, and it hardly moves either of them. But Trish is mortified, and instead of waiting for a comment, she marches towards and out the door, brushing the fronds out of her face as she does and saying way too quickly:]

Good, we're going then.

[waitingforplayer2]

[ It's sort of hard to tell what "tree brain" is given that trees don't usually have... brains. There's a mindset to being a nymph that Nanami hasn't totally adjusted to yet, especially since she's still in a bit of shock and denial about it, and has been cooped up in her apartment mostly.

But playing games is a help, and being with friends is a help, to making Nanami feel more like herself, tree or no. And Trish's squeaky little sneeze elicits a giggle, which she hastily tries to cover up with one hand. (Luckily her roots are secure enough that she doesn't actually fall.) ]

Thank you... [ She really couldn't be grateful enough for this. Both because it's a familiar comfort when she's feeling sad, and also for the practical help of getting her to the place where she usually works, or just spends time unwinding. ] It's not far from here... just a couple of blocks.

[figlia_morbida]

Mhm. I came from that way, so it shouldn't be hard for me to find again.

[If Nanami giggled, Trish pretends not to hear it, apparently.

Instead, she's dutifully marching her way out of the 38-8, turning back only briefly to make sure Nanami's apartment is secure. It probably doesn't need to be locked, but it's the principle of the thing!

Anyways, Trish will otherwise make the trek in silence. Not because she's being awkward, but because she's not one to chatter someone's ear off. Instead, Nanami will get to enjoy a peaceful ride, swaying from the motion of the werebear's imperious stride.

Eventually, the arcade will come into view. Trish slows here, mostly to see how Nanami's feeling about all this.]

You're going to be a pleasant surprise, you know. They weren't expecting to see you anytime soon.

[waitingforplayer2]

[ The walk is peaceful. It's the fastest she's moved in a little while now, but the sun is warm and relaxing on her fronds, and even in the time it takes to quietly walk two blocks, Nanami finds herself half-dozing.

When Trish speaks to her again, Nanami blinks the sleep out of her eyes, and looks up. They're right in front of the arcade. Trish found it with no problem, apparently. ]

Mm... yeah, I... I got my shifts covered... [ She feels a bit guilty about that, actually. Are the other employees going to resent her for taking the day off but coming back anyway to play? ]

You... came by before?

[figlia_morbida]

I did, yes. It was the first place I came to look.

[What Trish doesn't say: "but really, it's easy to find again because I recognize how it smells". Specifically, like sweets and the stink of oft-handled metal coins. It's not dissimilar from a laundromat, but the arcade makes itself distinct with the beeps and boops echoing from within to greet Trish's round, furry ears.

Laundromats sound like earthquakes, if earthquakes were made of stained briefs.

Anyways, Trish doesn't think about how the staff will feel. Nanami has a unique affliction, and if they're not understanding...well, they can bite her furry, pink ass. What matters right now is that Nanami not be left to mope around, because that will do nothing for her (bold thoughts from a bear who has moped for a year). The werebear will continue inside, and Nanami's fronds may miss the sun, but maybe the familiar sight of the arcade will brighten her dull heart?]

You'll have to guide me from here, however. I'm afraid I don't remember much about arcades.

[Of course, she wants Nanami to verbalize these directions.

She hasn't moved to set the nymph down, and honestly won't until they've found a place to sit and relax for awhile. Assuming Nanami doesn't insist otherwise.]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ She's been settled in comfortable, but now she raises up a little bit, blinking the sleep out of her eyes as she peers over Trish's shoulder - much like when they were exploring the caves deep in Lake Dala, except this cave glows with more familiar lights and sounds from Nanami's childhood and countless more besides.

There's a group of teens at the bowling alley now, and they stop and stare at the pink werebear who walks in with the nymph on her back. But the arcade has a strict no-violence no-eating policy, and Nanami's been careful to enforce that, so after staring for a few seconds the group goes back to their game, only occasionally stealing glances at the pair.

Nanami notices them, and gives a wave to the human working behind the prize counter. Then she thinks for a few seconds. ]

Hmm... we have to figure out a good first game for you. Do you like to dance?

[figlia_morbida]

[It really is an echo of their cavern adventure, isn't it? Except this is a place Nanami knows well, and is probably very comfortable to move around in under normal circumstances. Now she's made of stiff tree bark of leaves, the once squishy and flexible mer morphed forcibly to a form that is antithetical to movement.

But if Giorno can learn to move fluidly with the body he has, she's sure Nanami can do similar.

In the meantime, Trish whisks her tail back and forth as she takes in the sounds, sights, and smells of the arcade. If she notices the patrons staring, she doesn't return the favor. Rather, she patiently waits for Nanami to rouse properly, and what the nymph says is not at all expected. She blinks over her shoulder at Nanami.]

Is there really such a thing as a dancing game?

[Perish the thought. All she knows from rare after-school arcade excursions is spine-tearing action, shitty racing games with the constant noise of the worst sounding engines in the world, and shooting dinosaurs on a jungle ride. Oh, and Peekerchu or whatever the fuck.

When did games ever have something fun!?]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami points down the aisle with one leafy finger, over Trish's shoulder. About halfway down, a little cabinet plays cheerful music, and there's a large touchpad on the ground in front of it. ]

It's called Dance Dance Revolution. You dance and touch the pads in the right order to beat the game.

[ She glances down at her own roots, too numerous and inflexible and slow to play the game right - for now, anyway. But Trish... ]

If that's something you like... that might be the game for you, Trish-san.

[figlia_morbida]

[Whoa, the pad on the floor looks like a huge version of the little pads game controllers tend to have, doesn't it?

Trish strides over to it for closer inspection, absorbing Nanami's explanation.

It's not something she expected to see, and she's admittedly touched Nanami really was serious about this. Now she wonders...what Nanami likes to play. They'll have to do that next, won't they?]

Only one way to find out for sure.

[She is not divesting herself of her leafy companion though. Trish will walk up to step on the metal staging and its pads. Nanami can't dance right now...but this way, they can still dance together! Assuming Nanami is okay where she's at.]

Want to try it with me?

[waitingforplayer2]

[ She's surprised at Trish's unspoken suggestion to just... not put her down.

She would worry about hurting the werebear by staying on top of her during this, but... they all have monster strength, so maybe it's not a problem? ]

Yeah... you can choose a song with the pad... and then hit the center to select.

[ She's still somewhat subdued, but right now that's the most enthusiastic yes she can muster. And if the way she settles back to rest comfortably on Trish is any indication, she's at ease and relieved about Trish wanting to have fun in a way that lets her join in too. ]

[figlia_morbida]

[If this were normal circumstances, it would be impossible. As it stands, she's not tired at all from the weight of the nymph on her back – it's sort of like wearing a bonsai as a fashion statement and a friendship statement, all at the same time. Except the bonsai is a palm tree. So it goes.

Once the nymph is comfortable again, Trish tosses some money into the machine. Cheers to your business, Nanami! And then she's peering at the options that pop up on the screen, but there isn't a huge list to choose from. Usually, games like this have their own songs, right? But she sees one she recognizes, and makes a soft noise of surprise.

It's the only choice, then, and Trish taps the center button, locking in Olivia Project's "Have You Never Been Mellow?" on a standard mode and stepping back onto the pads proper.

The werebear is quiet as it loads, Ready! flashing on the screen before it swaps to the proper game and the song starts in earnest. Tinny singing comes first, and Nanami can probably feel the way Trish physically perks up at the sound of it. The arrows pop up next once the beat kicks in, and Trish squeaks as she hops onto the first pad. Damn, the arrows go fast, and there's a lot of visual noise on screen thanks to the flashing background.

It's a lot for someone who doesn't play games, and Nanami probably feels like she's sitting on a very jerky car ride as Trish works through it. The game is very sympathetic about her struggles, once it's all said and done. Better luck next time!

Trish is panting a little, but Nanami can feel her bow forward to start up another round after 0.2 seconds of debate.]

I'm going to get this right or so help me...

[Yeah.]

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami kind of dances with her-- swaying a bit as she remembers the proper button combinations, gently tapping on Trish's body with her roots in time with the music.

Trish does pretty good! But the difficulty is set a little higher than Nanami would usually recommend for a beginner. Oops. Still, she knows how stubborn Trish is, so she doesn't actually suggest turning the difficulty down.

Instead she sort of twists where she's sitting a little, to orient herself and give a bit of advice. ] If you turn... just a little this way... the arrows will line up kind of like in the game. More like a straight line... see? With the up arrow... second from the right.

"she doesn't actually suggest turning the difficulty down" NANAMI IS SO KIND...

[figlia_morbida]

[It says a lot about how hard Trish is concentrating and how dense her fur is that Nanami's movements did not register at all during that. They'd be a good backbeat (literal), but the werebear is used to listening for the beat, or reading the sheet music, not watching arrows on a screen.

But they must be following a pattern, right? Otherwise this would be the most heinously bastard game ever invented, after the spine-slurping one.

The nymph on her back is bidding for her attention while she fiddles with the select screen, and fortunately she looks to Nanami with raised brows before she has a chance to jump right back into it without preamble.]

Huh.

[She glances down to her white paws, adjusting her stance. It's basically correct, but the hard part will be sticking to it, probably.

At least she doesn't seem miffed by advice. Nanami isn't treating her like she's stupid for not knowing, or anything. Not that she would, but it is nice to approach this without a lot of backseat, uh, dancing? The term backseat gaming is not something Trish will invent herself, and so it does not exist.

Anyways, she flicks her fluffy tail, briefly tapping a hindpaw on the pad in front of them for emphasis.]

Like that?

as if asking Trish "stubborn to my grave" Una to back down from a challenge will ever end well

[waitingforplayer2]

[ She peeks over Trish's shoulder at her stance to make sure it's right. Then she nods. ]

Yeah, you got it! It'll be a lot easier like that.

[ For how morose she was earlier today, she's perking up quite a bit while she's teaching Trish to play the game. She settles back in, swaying a little in anticipation of the song starting again. ]

Okay, let's try again!

CORRECT

[figlia_morbida]

Thanks.

[Trish says, idly rolling her shoulders only to square them, actions that Nanami can undoubtedly feel where she's at. This bear is determined, and with an audience?

Doubly so!

She leans forward again, starting the next round and bracing herself on the stage. It's the same as before, except it isn't. Trish hums along to the opening lyrics, getting a sense for the rhythm this time. It's weird to her, because this dance remix is centered around a later refrain, and everything's sped up, transforming this song drastically. But it's not a bad version at all, and if one wanted to get deep with it, aren't monsters just reinventions of who they used to be too? But it's the same song underneath, and she knows it well.

Regardless, the werebear is watching the screen like a hawk, and the moment the arrows pop up, Nanami will be a leafy metronome with how her fronds crest and dip with Trish's movements. The werebear is so focused it's probably comical, singing under her breath, adding a few curses to the song when she misses a prompt. It's only a minute long at least, but by the end, she's much improved. Still not perfect, which makes her grumpy, but...

They clear it!

The werebear stands back, breathing a little hard, before looking to her companion. She looks awfully smug for someone who was swearing throughout that.]

See...? Nothing to it.

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami's actually humming along this time as she sways. It's a bit of a challenge to watch the screen in front of her with how much she's moving, so instead she watches the pad below them-- she knows the pattern pretty well, and the game's good at giving audio feedback on when Trish succeeds or misses.

And it's actually more exciting as the song goes on, because-- her score's good, for a beginner, she might even be able to--

And they clear it, and Nanami hugs the werebear from behind. ] You did it! Second try! That was so good!!

[figlia_morbida]

[The damnable thing is that barring the frustration of a perfectionist, Trish genuinely finds it fun. How could anyone waste their time on jungle cruises "shooting" pixel dinosaurs when they could be dancing instead?! It boggles her mind, but she supposes that's why Nanami is so passionate about games.

Like songs, there's something for everyone, which means sharing them casts a wide net that could captivate anyone willing to give them a try. It's a good way to bond with friends, or make a new one.

Combining the two? That may as well be a dream for Miss Una.

The werebear laughs, swaying with the sheer enthusiasm behind Nanami's hug. That's another dream come true, because the nymph sounds so much better already.]

I like to think I've got a sense for rhythm! I'd be a crap musician if I didn't.

[This is nonsense. If you can sing well and be hot while doing it, no one will care if your dancing is garbage. But in her mind, being a good musician means being able to do it all. Good grief.

Trish touches her fuzzy fingers to the back of one of Nanami's smooth hands briefly, fond.]

Did you enjoy the show, Nanami?

[waitingforplayer2]

[ Nanami nods, possibly brushing Trish in the face with her fronds again, and gently squeezes Trish's hand back in thanks. ]

You're really good! Some day... mm, I want to see one of your performances, too... if you're already this good at DDR... you must be amazing at that.

[ She's still gently swaying a little to the tune playing on the arcade machine - the wooden metronome slowed down, but still ticking away. ]