Campus Square

An arcade? That definitely sounded like a much better time than going back to the bar.

“OK,” Traci said, “Campus Square it is.”

Kelly’s shoulders slumped a little. “Fine. Let’s go be boring tonight.”

“Hey!”

“Oh whatever, don’t mind me. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Traci clapped her hands together. “That’s the spirit!”

“If they have any booze there, then I might actually enjoy it.”

“They’ll probably ID you.”

“Fake ID, remember?”

Traci led the way out of their dorm room. “OK, well, try not to get into too much trouble.”

###

Campus Square was really hopping tonight. Traci made her way straight for the arcade area, weaving in between animated college students while Kelly headed for the refreshment kiosk.

The arcade wasn’t a particularly big space, and it was packed with eager gamers. The handful of machines they had looked new and well maintained. One in particular caught Traci’s eye—Super Bash Bros!

She felt a pang of nostalgia as her brain replayed all the late night arcade sessions with Tommy. Super Bash Bros was one of their favorites. She smiled to herself remembering all the times she’d bash Tommy into submission with Princess Berry’s “Berry Heavy Hammer” attack. He never did manage to find a way to defend against it.

The game seemed to be as popular here as it was in the arcade back home and the crowd playing (and watching) was just as animated. Traci placed her quarters on the console to claim her spot in line and waited patiently.

Finally it was her turn, and Traci found herself dominating the field as much as she had back home. A few of the other players had put up a good struggle, but in the end, Traci (and Princess Berry) proved to be just too formidable for the campus crowd.

“Damn, you’re pretty good,” said her latest challenger. He wasn’t particularly tall, only a few inches taller than Traci herself. The new arrival’s curly brown hair swayed around as he energetically rolled his head and neck in a circular motion to limber up. “Ready?”

Traci smiled and nodded.

“OK then. Here we go.”