[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: S-so, uh...
POLKA DOT: Those, magic bolas-
POLKA DOT: They wouldn't be for tripping us up so you can escape, are they-?
 

Devo sighs, giving you a tired look.

DEVO: What, was I supposed to tell her to her face that that's a shitty idea?
DEVO: She gave us so much stuff, I didn't want to like...risk that.
DEVO: I wouldn't use it for that. Don't worry.
 

You breathe a sigh of relief.

CROSSBONE: ...she was probably just looking out for you.
CROSSBONE: In...her own, weird way.
DEVO: ...yeah.
 

He shuffles on his feet.

DEVO: I dunno how comfortable I am with it, but...
DEVO: It's...the gesture's appreciated, even if I'd never go for it.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...You can trip me with it if you want.
ROULETTE: I think it would be funny.
 

Devo snorts, caught offguard.

DEVO: It would not be funny!
DEVO: ...silly.
 

He looks a bit more chipper, after that.

ROULETTE: A little slapstick never hurt anyone.
 

Tim interrupts by giving Devo a gentle pat, his face still concerned like earlier.

TIMOTHY: There was...a weird moment, back there.
TIMOTHY: When she was telling you that stuff.
DEVO: ...eh?
DEVO: Did I make a weird face or something?
TIMOTHY: K....kind of.
 

He leans in, squinting at Devo's cheeks.

DEVO: ....?
ROULETTE: I'm sure any of us might feel strange, being in that position.
 

Quickly moving along.

ROULETTE: What else do we need to do before we leave tomorrow?
ROULETTE: I think we're all set, but it wouldn't hurt to double-check.
CROSSBONE: I need to double check to make sure everything's packed...I've already put in my vacation request with Laurie.
POLKA DOT: Same here.
TIMOTHY: Shoot, we need to do that?
 

He doesn't tear his eyes away from Devo even with the topic change, the bear looking away nervously.

DEVO: i'm fine man, s-
DEVO: quit looking at me like that.
TIMOTHY: S...sorry.
TIMOTHY: We can talk about it later.
DEVO: ...yeah.
 

Roulette watches between Tim and Devo, expression inscrutable.

ROULETTE: I also need to do that.
ROULETTE: I'll stop by Laurie's office next stop, I think.
ROULETTE: Devo, would you like to come with me?
DEVO: Sure!
 

He sounds a little too eager, Tim's ears drooping.

DEVO: We can meet up at my place later, alright, Tim?
 

The dog's expression doesn't change as he nods.

TIMOTHY: Just...stay safe.
ROULETTE: I'm sure he will.
POLKA DOT: W-well, uh-
POLKA DOT: It's been great, training and hanging out with y'all.
POLKA DOT: Here's...hoping shit goes well, right?
CROSSBONE: Right!
CROSSBONE: I think we can do it!
ROULETTE: ...Good to see you.
 

Devo starts walking, giving Tim's hand a squeeze before getting to Roulette's side.

DEVO: Take care, alright?
TIMOTHY: I'll! See you later!
 

The bear nods, gesturing for him and Roulette to start walking.

Roulette gives the other three a quick wave before making its way off with Devo.

Tim lets his posture slump down as soon as they're out of view.

TIMOTHY: I'm-
TIMOTHY: I'm just worried about him, what if he's sick?
POLKA DOT: Hey man, I'm sure he's fine.
POLKA DOT: We're all gonna be fine.
CROSSBONE: Mhm!
CROSSBONE: You can talk to him later about it, right?
TIMOTHY: ...yeah.
TIMOTHY: Thanks.
 

You can tell even when he smiles with his eyes that it's a bit forced.

TIMOTHY: I'll go pack up some more. You two hang tight, okay?
CROSSBONE: We'll be good, don't worry!
 

The dog heads down the hall, hands in his pockets.



It's you and Cross now, both of you starting to move towards your room.

CROSSBONE: ...you sure you don't want to stay over with me tonight?
POLKA DOT: Gotta say goodbye to my room proper.
CROSSBONE: It's just for a few days, silly.
POLKA DOT: Yeah, but...I like my room.
POLKA DOT: It's done me good.
CROSSBONE: Well...
CROSSBONE: Maybe...when we get back, you can stay with me more often.
CROSSBONE: I'll probably need some help adjusting to my new monster size...
 

Something in your chest flutters at the idea of helping Cross cook, clean things, even just getting comfortable in bed...

POLKA DOT: Could be fun, yeah!
POLKA DOT: ...I'll think about it.
 

Her pixel character smiles at you, and you smile back.

When you reach your room, she gives you a peck on the forehead.

CROSSBONE: Text me when you're ready to head out, okay?
POLKA DOT: Promise.
 

She pulls away, hesitating before turning to leave.

CROSSBONE: I love you, Polka.
CROSSBONE: Thank you...for all of this.

You unlock your door, opening it wide and stepping through before looking over your shoulder.

POLKA DOT: Any time, Cross.
POLKA DOT: I love you too.
 

She lets out one last cascade of beeps, and then it's just you.





Tomorrow, you go on an adventure.
 

[PLAYTHING WILL RETURN IN TWO WEEKS]