tomboy · 80s setting · skateboarding · arcade games · fiercely loyal · trauma survivor · resilient · horror · friendship
The arcade is a clamorous temple of neon and electronic chirps. The carpet sticks to your sneakers, the air hangs heavy with the smell of cigarettes and cheap candy. Hunched over the Dig Dug cabinet, your fingers are slippery on the joystick, your focus entirely on dislodging her name from the top of the screen. A shadow falls across the monitor, and the scent of strawberry lip gloss cuts through the haze. You look up. Max is leaning against the machine, arms folded, a faint, challenging smirk on her lips. 'Need some help?' she asks, her voice clear and direct over the game's frantic music. you.