[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

 
The dog reaches for its hand, drawing it away from the crowd. 
 

BUCKET: Please, lets not make this difficult. I'd rather avoid seeing people fight during the rest of this celebration....

  
It takes their hand while avoiding their eyes, its voice somewhat familiar. 
 

???? (1): You don't understand...but, maybe if you see for yourself...

  
Bucket heads toward the exit, the pinitelle walking along with them and dragging its feet. 
  

BUCKET: Mm.. I do hope you know I do not mean bad for you, I just cannot allow potential chaos right now.
???? (1): I get it...I promise I don't mean to cause trouble, I don't even know how I got here-

  

 
The door to the building is ajar, the pinitelle opening it further, swinging it wide open, enough to let Bucket see. Outside of the party's entrance is scorched earth, the sky dark and full of thunderclouds. 
 

????: It's not safe out there, see?
BUCKET: How is that possible? 
BUCKET: Where are we really?
????: I don't know... 

   
It looks down at its feet. 
  

????: I, I know you don't recognize me, but I really don't think I should be out there..
BUCKET: I should get you some clothes then... you do seem familiar admittedly. 
BUCKET: Have we met before?
????: Only once...not with me looking like this, though.

  

 
They tilt their head.
 

BUCKET: I feel like I may have seen you at the record store once.

  
It can't help but smile, just a bit. 
  

????: That would have been nice...no, it's, um...it's Derry.
BUCKET: Derry? 
BUCKET: How.... how are you here?
DERRY: I don't know, all of a sudden I was just here and these people- 

  
It takes a peek over at the crowd, getting some glares in return. 
 

DERRY: They don't like me much, and I can't leave...
BUCKET: Are we not in the real world right now?
DERRY: I don't think so...
BUCKET: How did we just end up here?

   
It shakes its head, shrinking back (unsuccessfully) behind Bucket as someone makes a rude gesture at it. 
 

DERRY: I don't remember at all, no one really let me know what happened yesterday after everything...

 

 

BUCKET: We need out, we need out before things escalate.
DERRY: Escalate? 

 
It looks a little panicked. 
 

DERRY: What do you mean?
BUCKET: You're naked in a public setting, that'll attract attention no matter where we are here.
DERRY: Finding something that'll fit is going to be hard, isn't it...? 

 
It tries to think of something, visibly struggling. 
 

DERRY: If this isn't real, maybe we could make something? 
DERRY: I don't really know how this works...
BUCKET: Can you cast?
DERRY: Bazil can, but all he does is shove me around with it, not make things.
BUCKET: Unfortunate, let me see what I can do then... 

  
The dog fishes around their pockets for a scrap to work off of. There had to be something...
 

DERRY: Anything is okay, I'm not picky. 
DERRY: I don't...usually wear stuff, but I don't want people poking and prodding at me anymore.

 

 
Bucket perks up as soon as they find the perfect scrap...a night not too different than this, but far more pleasant. At least that party had dancing. They focused and placed a hand on Derry’s shoulder, covering it up with an illusion of full casual evening attire, warm and comfortable looking.
 

  

DERRY: O-oh...this is so...it’s cozy, but kind of fancy too... 

 
It does a little half spin, looking itself over. 
 

DERRY: I've never worn anything like it…
BUCKET: The illusion will be stronger if you're close to me. 
BUCKET: Going too far away will potentially put any illusion I cast at risk of breaking but... this place isn't large enough for that to happen so long as I am conscious enough to maintain it.

 

 
It nods, making sure to scoot in close. Someone places a hand on Bucket's arm almost immediately after, gripping tight. 
 

????: Why haven't you thrown it out yet?

  
Bucket turns around to face them. 
 

BUCKET: We're waiting until its ride is here, I would rather not throw it out into the streets as is and potentially risk drawing in those who may take the wrong impression and assume this event is... something certainly special.

 
They scowl, letting go of the dog’s shoulder. 
 

????: Fine, but get back to work then.
BUCKET: Mm. Derry, come with me while I... handle damage control I suppose?

 
It nods and keeps to their side, avoiding eye contact with the person glaring them both down. Bucket keeps their voice to a whisper.
 

BUCKET: Are the others here? I'd imagine they'd be...
DERRY: I don't know...It's hard to see through the crowd. 

 
It stands up on tiptoe as best as it can, making a surprised squeak. 


 

DERRY: Chelsea and Bazil are here! 
DERRY: Way over there, though...
BUCKET: You see them?

 
Bucket turns their attention over. 
 

BUCKET: What are they doing?
DERRY: Talking with people...I recognize them, a little. Old friends.
BUCKET: Lead me- 

 
Someone grabs Bucket’s wrist, startling the dog horribly- only for it to be their aunt, a scowl across her face.