Gamer-oo [Kangaroo; Gaming, Shyness]: The best way to a kangaroo's heart is through her gaming console, as one Anon has to learn to get her to open up more. >You may like video games, but it’s nothing compared to Marsu’s obsession >The red kangaroo’s apartment is wall-to-wall game cases, boxes, and memorabilia, with some impressively rare findings >She’s not just a collector, but also pretty good at them to boot >Growing up with several brothers meant she always had someone to play with >But as she got older and moved out she began to isolate herself >You’ve always been good friends, so when one of her brothers asked you to get her to be more social you knew you couldn’t leave her all alone >Of course, this meant getting through to her using the thing she loves most >You’ve gone to spectate at local competitions for her >You’ve waited in lines for midnight releases with her >You’re always her go-to partner for multiplayer games >At first you were a little worried she was just seeing you as a training target or a body to hold her spot in lines >After a while you started to think she might actually enjoy your company >”Anon! Whatareyoudoingtomorrow?” she shouted into your ear during a phone call >Probably hanging out with her >”EEEE-GREAT! The new Rumble Mates comes out tomorrow, and I want to do the co-op campaign with you! It’s my favorite series!” >Guess you better get an early night’s sleep >Marsu’s ready to play the moment you arrive at her place >She had raced over to the game store the second it opened to pick up her reservation, knowing you probably wouldn’t be so eager to join her so early >”Hey”, she says breathlessly as you make your way to her “battle station” >You do a double take when you first see her >She’s wearing a pretty small hooded sweatshirt and loose shorts, but her gut is bulging out obscenely >It takes a moment for you to notice she’s just using her pouch to carry all the snacks and drinks she isn’t able to carry in her arms >She unloads everything next to the couch and hands you your controller >It basically is “your” controller, because even though she bought it herself she got it just for you to use >”A little something for my number one ‘player two’!” Marsu said with a smile when she handed you the package >[RUMBLE MATES]! >Marsu is bouncing in her seat anxiously >You don’t know too much about Rumble Mates, but true to her word it definitely looks like the kangaroo’s favorite series >It dominates the motif of the room, with more posters and figurines than any other two games combined >”I’ll be Chrome Wolf, and you can be Knight Lion,” she says >You’ve long since learned to let Marsu call the shots when it comes to playing with her >You each take your respective heroine and the game starts to load >It’s hard to tell if the loud humming is coming from the console or her >The characters jump onto the screen and Marsu squeals in anticipation >It’s a pretty bog-standard beat ‘em up, though Rumble Mates has always been known for being difficult >Very difficult >Marsu tries explaining all the advanced moves she knows from the series in rapid secession >”...And if you have baddies in the 180-degree arc behind you BUT we’re both facing each other with enough Energy for at least a first level Super Stunt...” >You never get to apply this knowledge since she cleans up all the bad guys on the screen before you can hit anything >Your skill slowly improves, but you still get the impression Marsu has to carry you >She scowls when you do something fatal for both characters >And when your Lion Knight is the only one left you can see her look at your controller longingly >You ask if maybe she’d be better off doing the solo mode while you just watch her >”What? No! The heart of Rumble Mates is in the co-op!” >Her long ears fold back in shame >”I’m sorry, Anon. I didn’t mean to be so pushy. Please, you’ll get better!” >Well, at least she’s not yanking the controller out of your hands yet >Marsu calms down a bit, and the lower tension actually makes things go smoother >The two of you get into a steady rhythm, overcoming the game’s increasingly harder challenges >You scarf down food during cutscenes or loading times, building a small pile of bags and wrappers on the carpet >Bathroom breaks only come when a major chapter is over >You have to time your trips with Marsu’s, though, since she is too absorbed in the game to care much about her own bladder, let alone yours. >After a few hours you hear a loud chirping noise coming from the kangaroo’s phone >She glances at it with a whine, but continues playing >Must not be that important of a call? >”No, it’s...I’ll explain in a sec.” >It takes a little longer than “a sec” to beat the next key boss battle, but when it’s over Marsu puts down her controller >”Do you want to come with me for a quick walk?” >You’re a little surprised by her sudden lack of attention for the game >But as you stretch your stiff muscles the chance for a walk sounds wonderful >The walk is more like a brisk jog (or hop), so it seems that Marsu’s definitely eager to play the game some more >Honestly you’re amazed she didn’t want to just power through the whole thing in one sitting >”They say you should take a break after every hour of play,” she says as if reciting a script >The kangaroo sighs heavily >”A few years ago I had to go to the emergency room because I passed out from exhaustion after playing a day straight. My parents threatened to take everything away from me unless I promised to take frequent breaks. I still probably don’t get nearly enough exercise...” >After a few minutes, she slows down her pace a bit >”You know, I always feel obligated to take these walks, but...it’s kind of nice to have you with me, Anon.” >You feel the same way with her >Seems you’re also making some headway in getting her to open up more >Marsu looks to her pouch and fishes around in it >She pulls out a granola bar in shock >”O-oh, that’s embarrassing,” she says sheepishly, thrusting the snack into her sweatshirt pocket. “I thought I cleaned everything out.” >You suppose it’s natural for even anthros to feel self-conscious about their own biological quirks >Must be pretty nice to have a pouch like that, though >”Yeah, it’s super useful. I mean, when you’re not needing it to hold little joeys or anything.” >The two of you circle back around and start heading toward her place again >”Heh, you know how some humans and anthros stretch their ears out? There are kangaroos who do that to their pouches. Pretty crazy, huh?” >She tugs at her own as though she were snapping a waistband >”You could fit a grown adult in there like that. Imagine if I could carry you around on walks, or wrap you up like a blanket.” >Marsu stumbles over at her own words >”I-I mean, not YOU specifically, but just...hypothetically, you know? H-ha ha…” >She goes quiet for the rest of the walk >Marsu is back on the couch with a single bound >Getting some fresh air certainly helped clear your mind from stress >It also made you aware of the funk from sweat and food litter everywhere >The kangaroo probably has a tolerance to this kind of thing >The game continues getting more difficult, but once you learn each other’s strengths you get into a synchronous groove >It also means you start messing with each other a little more >”Hey! You didn’t need the health pack! You have a freaking LANCE, and I have to get up there with a claw!” >You pull the, “I don’t know how to play” card, and that sets her off even more >”No, stop! Cut it out!” >She’s too preoccupied to grab your controller, so instead she uses her feet >A large paw is shoved into your face as she tries to distract you >It works, but more from the tickle of her furry toes than from having your vision obstructed >Even when you aren’t at each other’s throats anymore, Marsu keeps her leg up on you in a trance >It can’t be that comfortable for her, right? >You almost want to take a peek now that her shorts have ridden up a bit >You know she’d sooner chastise you for taking your eyes off the game than sneaking a look at her underwear >Or lack thereof >The end is in sight, and it’s obvious you’re nearing the final boss >You try to take a swig of your drink, but Marsu’s leg drops at the worst possible moment >She knocks it out of your hand and soon your side of the couch is soaked >”Crap!” she says. “I’m so sorry!” >You look around for some napkins or towels, but she points urgently at the screen >”No time, I’ll just clean it up later!” >You still need some place to sit >The floor? >”No, wait, it’s too gross to sit down there!” >She’s not wrong; you two kind of made the floor disappear under all the junk food >”Um, uh...here, just sit here!” >The kangaroo scoots back in her seat as far as she can, leaving you some room to sit down >On her lap >Knowing Marsu, she’s dead serious about it >Whatever it takes to save the world, right? >You take your position and Marsu wraps her arms around you so she can still hold her controller, looking over your shoulder >It’s the ultimate showdown, and as much as you’re trying to focus on the boss battle you’re too aware of the senses around you >The vibration of the controllers, Marsu’s deep breathing on your neck… >Your goal extends beyond just beating the game >You want to impress her, to make her happy >When it all comes down to you to deliver the final blow, she’s leaning into your back >You can feel her heartbeat >And you don’t even realize you’ve won by the time she drops her controller and gives you a spine-crushing victory hug >”We did it!” >Marsu’s rocking you side to side >The ending credits go largely ignored, until they end unceremoniously >”So, that’s it...” she says dejectedly. “We beat the whole thing in a single day.” >You can’t see her face from the way you’re sitting, but you imagine it’s full of disappointment >”I thought it would last longer. I...really wanted it to. I was looking forward to this day for a while now.” >You try to twist your head, but there’s only so far it can go with her muzzle stopping you >”I just wanted to spend the whole day with you, Anon.” >It’s already mid afternoon, you still thought the two of you would be playing late into the night >You put one hand over her interlocking arms and the other on her sturdy thigh >That’s all the encouragement she needs to turn you around and plant her lips on yours >She’s still an awkward, nerdy ‘roo at heart, but even her inexperienced kisses are full of the same drive as any game she plays >She gives little squeaks as she digs into your mouth, but it’s endearing to listen to >The two of you pull away with a little embarrassment, but also relief >Now you know what kind of feelings she really has for you >And already you can feel the years of isolation break away >”Um, Anon.” >Marsu shifts her legs around, hanging them off the couch >”Maybe we can go for another walk? And...” >She takes your hand and slowly brings it back >To her pouch >”I know we’ve been on the couch all day, but when we can back maybe we can try something different...” >Your hand slides into her stomach fold, and then… >Hits something hard and plastic? >”Maybe we could watch a movie instead!” >You pull out the DVD case >[Rumble Mates: THE MOVIE] >Wow >What a nerd [[ Gamer-oo Two ]] >With a little coaxing, you’ve finally managed to get your red kangaroo gamer girlfriend Marsu out of the house more often >A chance to go to new places and try new things >Predictably, she just wants to go and play games >So the two of you are heading to Buck and Blaster’s for a day of arcade fun >At the very least it has a variety of interactive and physical games to get her off her (cute) butt and be more active >It seems cruel to push her like that, but it’s also entirely her idea >She has good intentions, just not the willpower to act on them yet >She has admitted several times she needs more exercise, and you’re willing to help her out >Even if that means taking VERY small steps to get her there >The place is just as much of a bar and restaurant as it is an arcade >The beeps and chimes of the game machines mix with the rowdy merriment of the diners >This is Marsu’s element >She’s hopping on her heels in excitement as you pay for your cover fees >It’s a good thing you had a filling lunch, because it’s obvious the kangaroo isn’t going to sit and eat until she gets some entertainment in first >It’s so overwhelming she can’t even decide what to start with first >When she does, it isn’t even a game >It’s the prize counter >Hunting for the perfect trophy and making a goal to get it >Sitting on the top shelf is a small all-in-one game console, preloaded with an assortment of classic games >Her eyes sparkle and her mouth hangs open >”That!” she squeals. “That’s what I’m working for!” >Why that? >Marsu already owns the real copies of all those included games >Multiple copies, too >”B-but…this is more compact! And it’s a collector’s item!” >Alright, whatever >It’s only...400,000 tickets!? >”I’m already almost halfway there!” she says, stifling a whine and holding up a plastic card stamped with the Buck and Blaster’s logo >You’re a little concerned how long it took her to even get “almost halfway” >”Well…if we, um, pool our tickets it’ll go faster. And we’ll share it anyway!” >It still seems like a bit of a waste >But as long as she has something to motivate her, then you’ll throw your earnings in as well to help her get it >Marsu lunges forward and pulls you into a hug >She’s acting like you already won the game system >”It’s as good as ours!” she laughs >She skips over to a reload machine and slips some money inside >The number of bills she puts in makes you even more worried now >When she returns to you she thrusts a plastic card into your chest >”Don’t lose this,” she says sternly >Yikes >Her expression softens back to her eager cheer >”What are we waiting for? Let’s go!” >Marsu drags you around the arcade as she analyzes the machines >Many of them display their current “jackpot” payouts and she’s on the prowl for the biggest winners >Unfortunately, many of the games are already filled up >The kangaroo girl makes frustrated noises as she tries to find a vacant game >”Let’s start with that one!” >It’s a simple light game; stop the lights on the right bulb to win big >The jackpot is up to a few hundred, which doesn’t seem all that impressive considering how far you have to go >”Yeah, but this will be a fast win,” Marsu says. “I’m great at these! You’ll win almost every time once you have the technique down…” >She slams the butter down, just one bulb shy of the jackpot >A few pity tickets spit out >”Just a warm-up…” >She slides her card in to pay more credits and hits the button again >And again >5 tickets >4 tickets >4 tickets >2 tickets… >Every time she tries, she gets a little angrier and a little worse >”Crap it all!” she pouts. “Why don’t you try it?” >Now you’re almost afraid what will happen if you win instead of her >”Use your fingertips, not your palm. The light is slightly behind the computer trigger, so it’s better to hit it too soon rather than too la—“ >*WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP* >First try >The machine flashes wildly as the stream of tickets pours out >Ooh, she doesn’t look happy >Marsu grabs you tightly, rubbing her body against yours >A…victory hug? >”I’m taking back the good luck I accidently gave you,” she mutters >When the tickets stop coming out you grab them and begin to hastily fold them into a neat little stack >Marsu rips off a chunk from your stream >”That’s going to take forever!” >She lifts up her sweatshirt far enough for you to see her bare stomach >Then she stuffs the tickets into her pouch and gives them a pat for safekeeping >Guess she can hang onto them for the both of you >There are still more light games with some respectable jackpots, and you make your rounds harvesting them all >Marsu manages to score the big wins more often than you now >She sticks her tongue out with each victory >Wasn’t this supposed to be a joint effort? >”These are still GAMES, duh. There has to be a winner, after all!” >Good lord, this is Rumble Mates all over again >Speaking of which, Marsu eyes an arcade cabinet for her favorite game series lined up among other “legacy machines” >”Anon! How about a few quick levels?” >You have to remind the kangaroo what your mission is >These types of games don’t even give out tickets >Marsu tugs on her ears >”Ooohhh, fine.” >She looks around and another old machine catches her eye >Before you can stop her, she’s already bounding over to it in large paces >”I remember this one!” she gasps >It’s a simple whack-a-dino game >The mallet looks pretty badly damaged, and one of the dinosaur heads can’t go back down the hole all the way >”My dad was a pro at this one. He could get the high score with a slice of pizza in the other hand! Then he’d put me on top and I’d stomp on all the dinos with my feet!” >No wonder they look broken >Marsu swipes her card to load on the credits >Up pop the dinos, and down comes the mallet >Her efforts seem to be held back by some childhood nostalgia >Rather than fast, calculated motions she’s flailing around like crazy >She does a little jump each time she strikes a dino >Her total is nowhere near the high score after the last dino burrows back down >Only a short strip of tickets comes out >Marsu gives you an embarrassed look as she tucks them into her pouch >”Maybe we should find some other games to play…” >It’s hard to keep Marsu from getting sidetracked >She keeps gravitating back to the high-risk, low-payout games >Skee ball, roulette, button-tapping games… >You’re never going to get all the tickets you need at this rate >But after a while you realize something >She’s having fun, and that’s what you came here for >Getting that game system was technically HER goal, but you’ve been more focused on it than she has >You already met your own goal by getting her out of the house >”Anon, we have to try it!” >Your gaze follows where she’s pointing: a “Stompin’ Beat Beat” machine >Arrows on the floor glow invitingly >Again, no prize tickets for playing this sort of thing >But at least it’ll be good exercise >”I got in pretty good shape when I was younger playing SBB,” Marsu says, wiggling her hips >That’s one way to get fit, you guess >Marsu puts a paw on her belly >”Yeah, I...was kind of a chubby kid. Getting a workout from the arcades was easier than going to a gym. Not as many people to judge you...” >She swipes her card and the playlist scrolls by >There’s a lot of music you’ve never heard of >That’s not the case for Marsu >She oohs and ahhs with each press of the button >Finally she settles on some obscure pop group and picks her difficulty >It’s a bit higher than what you pick >You’re not even sure her difficulty is possible for a human’s anatomy >Marsu zips herself up to keep everything in her pouch from flying all around, then hops in place for the countdown >The game starts, and the screen is flooded with arrows >At least on half the screen >You can still see the background as your cluster of arrows fly upward, while Marsu’s side is completely filled >Her long legs thump furiously on the platform, hitting each arrow flawlessly >It’s a little distracting, and most of the challenge for you comes from trying to drown out her commotion >A few times you feel a gush of wind as the kangaroo’s tail whips by >You dodge out of the way just as a powerful swipe nearly takes out your legs >The music subsides and the last arrow floats off >That…could have gone better >Your failing score kicks you out of the next round while Marsu takes the center of the platform >”You did…h-hah…you did good,” she pants. “Now let me…let me show you how it’s done!” >The next round begins and the screen fills up with arrows once more >This time, Marsu’s tackling both sides at once >Dancing and grooving with expert precision >An audience starts to form around you to watch Marsu hit note after note >Your attention is focused less on the game and more on Marsu >Her thighs flex, her chest bounces around, and her tail seems to lift up whenever she has her back to you >You’re the only one not looking at the screen >Sudden applause snaps you out of the trance >The onlookers are cheering Marsu on as she wheezes for air >You manage to grab her just in time as she stumbles back against you >She squirms around in your arms, a little startled by her fall until she realizes it’s just you >She rubs her snout against your face, babbling incoherently >Might be a good time for a break… >You and your kangaroo girlfriend refuel in the restaurant side of Buck and Blaster’s >She scarfs down nachos and chugs down a really colorful, fruity drink >Marsu is a major lightweight when it comes to alcohol, and it doesn’t take her long to loosen up >She’s flicking chip crumbs and blowing straw wrappers at you >Once she expends all of her ammunition, she resorts to other antics >At first she just smiles dreamily at you as distraction >Then you feel her fuzzy toes work their way up your legs to your stomach >You grab her foot and she begins laughing as you tickle it >”N-no! S-stop!” she snorts >Anyone who doesn’t see what’s going on under the table is probably thinking the kangaroo girl has just gone crazy >When she settles down and sobers up a bit, Marsu takes out her pile of tickets and untangles them >”Seems like we still have a ways to go,” she sighs. “I guess we should probably get back out there soon...” >It’s not like you’re under a time constraint though, right? >It’s only early in the evening, and she can always just load the tickets up on her card again to hang on to for next time >Marsu looks like you just told her you’re taking all her games away for good >”B-b-but...the system! What if it’s not there the next time we come?” >With a ticket cost that steep, you doubt there’s anyone who’s going to be cashing in on it in the next few days >The two of you can always come back later in the week >Marsu fidgets in her seat >”Alright, but let’s at least make a good effort tonight, okay?” >So you and the ‘roo return to the gaming floor after clearing your tab >The bill alone is a pretty convincing incentive to not have to come back another day >The food isn’t even THAT good... >You take a lap around the arcade again to check on any machines that have their jackpots built up again >Many of the games are getting filled up with other guests again now that the evening rush has arrived >Marsu has a look on her face that you recognize from your most intense moments with Rumble Mates >It’s a determination she exhibits when she has a clear goal in her sights >The ultimate prize guarded by a boss battle she’s confidant she can beat >You suggest splitting off so you can clean up on as many machines as possible, but she clings tightly to you >There’s no separating you two tonight >You massage her shoulders while she plays, and she leans over yours when it’s your turn >Marsu stuffs every large ticket payout into her pouch while you collect the little stubs >Eventually her belly takes on a lumpy shape as the wads of tickets visible distend her pouch >You suggest that she run to the card reloader to cash in the tickets before something happens to them, but she waves you off >”No time! We’re so close!” >Looks like she’s been mentally counting every ticket you’ve earned since the beginning >What began as a goal of over 200,000 tickets has shrunk to a few thousand >Though now with all of the popular machines either occupied or completely expended, the hunt becomes even more nerve-wracking >At one point, Marsu spots a stream of tickets seemingly abandoned at one of the machines >She eyes it like it’s a legendary treasure and hops toward it >But before she can get there a little koala boy runs over and snatches them up >Marsu has fire in her eyes, and you have to grab her tail to stop her from chasing down the child and tackling him >Tensions are running a little high, apparently >Just then, an open opportunity >One of the game machines that’s been constantly occupied since you arrived clears out >You have never seen Marsu jump so far before in a single bound >She practically lands on her rump as she claims the vacant seat, patting the spot next to her for you to sit >It’s a betting game >You don’t use normal credits; you use actual tickets >Probably the worst type of game to play with the two of you being so close to your goal >She’s so desperate for that final little stretch she’s willing to risk it all >And Marsu is fully aware of the gamble she’s about to make >She keeps you away from her pouch with her leg as she fishes out a particularly long strand >”Just trust me on this one!” she growls >All you can do now is be her support >Her Player Two >Which is probably for the best, because you haven’t the slightest idea what’s going on as cards and dice and weird arcane ruins fill the already busy screen >Though what you DO understand is when she’s winning or losing, both from the appropriate graphics on the screen and from the various grunts she makes >It’s a good thing the speakers are shot, because the accompanying sounds from the game would probably just add to the anxiety >By the time you pick up on what the stakes are for each move she makes, you’re at the “big one” >And not by choice >Marsu’s haste leads her to pressing the wrong button and going all-in for one more bet >”There’s no going back now,” she croaks, knowing full well how badly she screwed up >You can’t watch this one >The inevitable disappointment is going to be too much >Her nails click on the buttons, and you hear the game sounds make their beeps and chirps >Then, all goes quiet >You’re afraid to look >You hear Marsu inhale sharply >”No...” >Oh boy... >You slowly open your eyes, expecting the worst >But Marsu is smiling broadly and pointing to the game screen >[[ YOU ARE WINNER! ]] >She did it >”I did it! Sorry, didn’t mean to make you worry!” >You almost had a heart attack because of her >She presses her snout against your cheek and gives you little kisses as the tickets come flooding out >The crowd is starting to thin out as Buck and Blaster’s goes full “bar mode” >The place starts closing up to anyone not old enough to drink, meaning a lot of the younger gamers are heading out >Kind of a shame in a way, since you already hit your goal just as the competition for getting to the best machines subsides >Whatever >Marsu takes out the massive pile of tickets from her pouch while you gather up your own pitiful number from a cup >She doesn’t even need the little stubs she entrusted to you after that last major winning >”What a night, huh?” she giggles >The two of you make your way over to the ticket counter to cash everything in >That’s when Marsu stops cold >Ahead of you is the young koala boy and what you assume to be his father >There are tears in the kid’s eyes as he looks up at the prize wall >”I’m sorry, buddy,” the father says. “It wasn’t 10,000. There was an extra zero in there...” >The koala boy is staring at a toy gun set with foam bullets >The poor kid must have seen the 100,000 ticket cost sign and though it was only a tenth of that >Neither the father nor the prize cashier looks comfortable with the crying boy on their hands >It’s enough to get Marsu to start sniffing >She looks at the mass of tickets in her arms >Before you can say anything to her, she’s already padding over to the koala and the two adults >All three of them look at her with surprise >The kangaroo girl snaps off part of the ticket mass and hands it to the boy >You don’t know how much it is, but it’s clearly enough to cover the full cost for the gun set >The koala boy looks up at Marsu like she’s a superhero >The father is speechless at first, then he clears his throat >”Miss, are you sure...?” >Marsu shrugs >”Well, he’s got them now! I got all the fun I wanted tonight anyway.” >Marsu looks back at you with a knowing smile >All in all, it really was a good night >The koala boy hugs Marsu’s legs before him and his father head out with the prize in tow >You congratulate your ‘roo girl for her generosity >Admittedly, you’re pretty proud of her >She may have her goals and her ambitions, but at least she’s learning to play games just for the enjoyment rather than to make everything about the winning >Marsu gives you a funny look >”What are you talking about?” >You ask her the same question >”We’re not done here...” >Come again? >Marsu laughs, then slides a furry paw underneath your shirt >”We’re old enough to be here, you and me,” she whispers >She rubs your back slowly and nibbles on your ear >”And the place is still open for another couple of hours. More than enough time to replace that hundred grand.” >Your stomach knots up >You might have jumped the gun in thinking she was going to head home with just the satisfaction of an altruistic deed >Marsu takes the cup of tickets from your hand and dumps them into her pouch >”Not a bad start. C’mon! If we get that system soon, maybe we can even plug it in tonight and have a few quick games before bed!” >Wonderful >Spend hours in a brightly lit arcade staring at glowing screens just so you can go home to a dimly lit living room and stare at a glowing screen for hours >It’s going to be a long night...