[ Squeezes its hand reassuringly. ]

Um... I've been practicing how to play on one of the machines here, in case you wanted to play together someday! [ It's really the only reason she's been coming to Playback.

Fio sways their arms lightly. There's much she wants to talk about, but she wants to make sure it's comfortable first. ] But we don't really have to stay here. Do you wanna walk? We can go somewhere else, if you want.

[ Oh, she feels a little silly practicing. Maybe another time she'll show it how to play... ]

But I want to do what you want to do.

[ As long as it doesn't involve hurting anyone, of course. She just wants to make it happy, somehow. This is going to take a while maybe? She needs time to think of something enjoyable for both of them! She starts to walking, hand in hand. ]

Let's walk a little! You probably haven't had a chance to go outside of the arcade, huh? I really like the café... and the library. The ice cream place too. Um... do you like ice cream?

[ A pause. ]

The... lights, you mean? [ Would it rather stay here then, she wonders. ]

...The ice cream? [ Another pause. She did call a banana split "pretty" once... ] Oh! Because of all the colors and stuff, right?

[ She starts to walk again. Back to arm swaying! ]

So does this mean you've never tasted ice cream before? I think you're gonna like it. I thought it looked pretty too! I never had anything like it before, until I came here...

Well, we'll find out soon!

[ As they exit the arcade, she halts briefly to look around for any passengers around that might possibly throw a fit seeing Sparkles out and about. It seems clear, so she continues on. ]

...

Um... Sparkles? [ Softly, completely toning down her chipper tone. ] There's... a lot of people that are upset and angry over what you did. They're scared. But you can do good. I know you can. [ Squeezes its hand. ] If you're ever in trouble... you can come to me. You can hide in my shadow if you have to. I'll protect you.

...Thank you, for giving everyone a chance. I'm happy to be here. [ As though she needs to express gratitude on everyone else's behalf. This reality's given her a chance to live a little longer past her original lifespan. ]

But I know you're not happy. [ Hearing how sulky it sounds, it's difficult to keep the brightness in her voice. She tries not to sound discouraged. ] I want you to be happy too...

[ Walks along in silence for a bit. She remembers from her dream, when it told her how it never really felt happiness. ]

We'll... figure it out. I'm your friend, so I'm gonna help you learn how to be happy.

For... both of us, 'kay? You've gotta do it for yourself too. You'll feel tons better. And when you're happy, I'll be even happier, and then we can all be happy together!

[ A giggle, her smile returning. She swings their arms some more. ]

...You know, there's some friends I'd like for you to meet. [ Well, she's working on convincing others! So far, she's talked to Rita about it... and she has a couple of other people in mind. ] And... Ari. I haven't really talked to her much, but she's nice. Do you remember her? She wants to talk to you too. We were thinking about bringing you some snacks.

...Why did you make me sleep? [ Not upset, just curious. Though she still wishes she had the chance to convince it to stop sooner. ] I really wanted to see you. I was gonna go look for you earlier but they wouldn't let me.

And then you'd "eat me last"?

...I don't think anyone wanted to play those scary games. I hope you're not thinking about playing anything like that again.

...

Please don't hurt anyone anymore. [ Another hand squeeze. ] Please?