Keep Calm and Blame it on the Lag

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About the Images

Featured in today’s post are the ultra-cool retro arcade games by [Bad Unicorn]. These machines aren’t just for show; they come loaded with fun and dynamic poses, from intense gameplay stances to a hilarious rage-kick animation. Even better? They include retro game sound effects to complete that nostalgic vibe.

Gavin’s look features a free gift from BigBang at the SL22B round of Shop & Hop (closing July 20th). The short-sleeve button-up comes in the rich teal shade shown here. If you’re craving more color options, head over to the BigBang mainstore, join their group, and you can pick up the same shirt in a vibrant orange.

New to the blog, Erik (the blonde) is wearing Divos, a new skin release by Stray Dog. Originally featured at the most recent round of Access (now closed), the skin should be available at the Stray Dog mainstore soon. Divos includes a freckles pack with four options ranging from subtle to bold, frown lines for added character and realism, a browless version, and a bento shape designed for Lelutka Camden. It’s available in 21 tones that pair seamlessly with body tones from Stray Dog, Not Found, and Velour.

Full credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.

The Story

The evening began with a clink of beer bottles and a mutual agreement to keep things simple: no talk about work, no deep life debates, and definitely no conversations about relationships. That plan lasted about half an hour.

Gavin and Erik hadn’t hung out like this in ages: just the two of them, no partners, no responsibilities, no distractions. The bar they picked was a cozy little spot tucked away on a side street, recently remodeled with a vintage arcade lounge in the back. The walls were lined with neon signs and faded posters, and a row of glowing game cabinets buzzed softly beneath the dim overhead lights.

“Dibs on Fish Fury,” Gavin announced, making a beeline for the cabinet featuring a grinning orange cat and cartoonish piranhas. The tagline read: Survive the Killer Fish. Erik rolled his eyes but smirked as he headed to the machine next to it, Stray Dog: Rise Against Copybots.

The competition started lighthearted enough, but soon the familiar tension of friendly rivalry filled the space. Gavin leaned into his game, brows furrowed, mouth set in a determined line. Erik played more casually, but his fingers flew across the buttons with practiced ease.

“Ohhh no,” Erik said with a grin after a particularly long run. “I think I just beat your high score!”

Gavin whipped his head around, eyes wide. “You did not.”

“Check it.” Erik stepped aside with exaggerated flair, revealing the flashing leaderboard. There it was: ERO at the top, right above GAM.

“No. Nope. I call foul,” Gavin declared, feigning outrage. “The joystick’s loose. The screen glitched. Clearly a lag issue.”

“Uh-huh,” Erik replied, smugly. “Blame the lag all you want, but that high score’s mine now.”

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They took a selfie in front of the glowing Game Over screen, with Erik flexing triumphantly and Gavin pointing at him with a theatrical scowl. Behind the scowl, though, there was laughter. It was rare for either of them to unplug like this, and Gavin was genuinely enjoying himself.

Eventually, they drifted toward the bar and claimed a pair of stools. The crowd was picking up, but they had staked out their spot early. Erik ordered another round while Gavin leaned back, beer in hand, gaze distant.

“You good?” Erik asked as he slid the next bottle across.

Gavin hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. Just… been thinking.”

“Uh-oh,” Erik said, mock serious. “We’re about to break the no-deep-talk rule, aren’t we?”

“I know,” Gavin chuckled. “But I figured if there’s anyone I can say this to, it’s you.”

Erik raised an eyebrow.

“I’m thinking about proposing to Serena.”

The words landed softly, but their weight was undeniable. Erik’s eyes widened, and for a second, he looked like he was trying to decide whether to laugh or spit out his drink in shock.

“Wait, seriously? Dude. That’s amazing!”

“I think it’s the right time,” Gavin said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “We’ve been through a lot together. And honestly? I can’t imagine my life without her.”

Erik leaned back and gave a low whistle. “Wow. Serena’s going to freak. In a good way, I mean.”

Despite the smile, Gavin noticed the flicker in Erik’s expression. He hadn’t said it out loud, but Gavin knew Erik was still working through the sting of his recent breakup. Coming out tonight had been a good distraction for both of them.

“You’ll figure it out,” Erik said after a beat. “Whatever you do, it’ll be perfect. And hey, if it doesn’t go exactly as planned…”

“Let me guess,” Gavin said with a smirk. “Keep calm and blame the lag?”

“Exactly.”

They raised their bottles in a toast, laughter echoing through the bar like the digital blips of the games behind them. The night had started with joysticks and jokes, but it ended with something more profound: connection, trust, and the kind of friendship where you can share big dreams between rounds of pixelated mayhem.

Whatever happened next, Gavin knew one thing for sure: he wouldn’t be going it alone.

CREDITS

Gavin (left)

Dura Hairbase BOM
WINGS TO0709 Hair
IKON Splendor Eyes
Not Found Jerry Skin
Deep Static Brighton Glasses
BigBang Ren Shirt (free gift @ Shop & Hop)
Bron Joseph Jeans
Semller Worn Canvas Lo Tops Festival Edition

Erik (right)

WINGS ES0513 Hair
IKON Devotion Eyes
Stray Dog Divos
DUK Noah Shirts
ERAUQS Chris Jeans
CRIMEN Track Wolf Sneakers

Poses

Secret Poses Brotherhood
Gaming poses by the machines (slightly modded)

Scene

Dead Unicorn Park Cafe
[Bad Unicorn] Fish Fury Arcade Machine
[Bad Unicorn X Stray Dog] Arcade Machine
Soy Pinned Poster (poster graphic created in Canva)
Muniick Vintage Industrial Dart Board
Trompe Loeil Chalkboard Bar
Trompe Loeil Metal Barstool Neon Green
Trompe Loeil Metal Barstool Neon Purple
What Next Bottle of Beer
BALACLAVA!! Wine Barrel Shelf
Junk Food Beer Tray (Dark Beer)