+- Homebrew Deviants Forums (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum)
+-- Forum: [NOT SAFE FOR WORKS] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/forum-7.html)
+--- Forum: [OFFICIAL PROJECTS] (https://homebrewdeviants.com/forum/forum-60.html)
+--- Thread: [TOY] Plaything (/thread-598.html)
RE: [TOY] Plaything - Lilium Mortem - 04-18-2022
nothing's wrong, just having an existential crisis about the fundamental nature of harm.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-18-2022
Oh no no no, it's fine, really! I'm not uncomfortable, you don't have to worry. Just didn't really understand BDSM really when I saw the pamphlet, like, I didn't understand why someone would be into hurting or getting hurt. Figured it was a niche thing. But now I'm sorta realizing that that's just a personal hangup on my part.
If you want help finding an intimidating sort of outfit when we go thrift shopping I can certainly help you with that.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - sarcovyn - 04-18-2022
no, this is interesting to hear about! i'm also interested in stuff from that pamphlet, but like, different stuff.
i'd love to have a loose conversation about what stuff appeals to you and why. if you're okay talking about it?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-18-2022
POLKA DOT: No! No, nah, it’s fine. Seriously.
POLKA DOT: This is interesting to hear about, I’m not uncomfy or anything like that. No worries.
POLKA DOT: I’m interested in stuff from the pamphlet too, just…different stuff.
You think you almost catch a brief flicker on Willow’s screen, but it’s too quick to tell.
You rub the back of your head with a wing, trying to figure out the best way to phrase this.
You rub the back of your head with a wing, trying to figure out the best way to phrase this.
POLKA DOT: Didn’t really understand BDSM when I saw the pamphlet either- like, the hurting and getting hurt part.
POLKA DOT: Thought it’d be like…niche.
POLKA DOT: Kind of realizing that’s a personal hangup on my part, though. If somebody cool like you likes that sort of thing, it’s worth learning about, I guess.
Tim untenses with a relieved sigh, looking up at you with gratitude in his eyes.
TIMOTHY: Thanks…
TIMOTHY: People here seem really kind!
TIMOTHY: But…from the book I managed to take out of the lending library today after my shift, it seems like there’s a lot of stuff you can go too far with. It’s really risky if you aren’t careful…so I wouldn’t blame you if you’re hesitant.
WILLOW: It sounds like you’re being cautious, at least…
WILLOW: I recommend looking into mimicry and “pretend” stuff. Less actual risk of wounding someone.
TIMOTHY: Huh…yeah! I remember that from the pamphlet, and I think the book I took out has something on that!
TIMOTHY: Thanks!
POLKA DOT: I’m pretty interested in hearing about what stuff is appealing to you about it- like, keeping it loose though.
TIMOTHY: …are people cool with that here? Like, in the laundry room?
The three of you look around- there’s only one other person left, and they’re way over on the far end.
WILLOW: I’ve heard weirder…
WILLOW: This one time, a guy came in asking if his sex toys were washable. Like…in the washing machine.
WILLOW: It turned into a whole debate, even I chimed in.
TIMOTHY: …can you put them in the washer?
WILLOW: Only the plush ones, and it depends on the material.
WILLOW: …some toys like to climb in the jumbo ones themselves, if it’s safe. Laurie discourages it, but…
WILLOW: Some people prefer it to showering, especially if they’re compatible with a dryer.
You briefly consider whether a washing machine would be pleasant for you, and decide that being rubber probably wouldn’t feel too good getting jostled around.
WILLOW: We’re getting off topic though, um…
WILLOW: It should be fine. If you talk about it, I mean.
TIMOTHY: Okay…uh…where do I start…
TIMOTHY: I guess part of my reasons are like…unknown to me?
TIMOTHY: It probably doesn’t make much sense, but I’m pretty sure something happened when I was back in the Store to make me interested in, well…
TIMOTHY: Being strong. Commanding, even- but not in a way that actually means I’m some kind of authority or anything.
TIMOTHY: I just..want to have presence.
TIMOTHY: Even if it’s just for a night, an hour, a few minutes…
TIMOTHY: I want to be able to stand up tall and matter to somebody.
TIMOTHY: I know I can get that without kink stuff!
TIMOTHY: But…I think it could be a way to play around with it and figure out my limits first.
He sinks into his chair a little.
TIMOTHY: …also the idea of having a dedicated, committed partner or two to spoil and dote on would be nice…
RE: [TOY] Plaything - sarcovyn - 04-18-2022
TWO partners??? i didn't know you would be an ambitious one
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-18-2022
Oh? Anyone specific caught your eye yet? What's your type, do you think?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-19-2022
POLKA DOT: TWO partners?
A smirk crosses your beak.
POLKA DOT: I didn’t know you’d be an ambitious kinda guy!
TIMOTHY: W-well!
TIMOTHY: I’ve got two hands, and I dunno…
TIMOTHY: I don’t want to limit myself or any partner I have to something exclusive…like, I want commitment for sure, but what if I can’t give them everything they need?
TIMOTHY: What if there’s stuff that I want that they’re not down for?
TIMOTHY: I definitely want to start slow, but…I’m open to it.
POLKA DOT: Well…anyone specific caught your eye yet?
POLKA DOT: What’s your type?
TIMOTHY: Um…well…
He sinks further into his chair, practically slipping off at this point.
TIMOTHY: There’s this bear I’ve seen around who seems kind of cute…
TIMOTHY: He has a really casual style, kind of nerdy, but from what I can tell he might be someone cool to hang out with.
TIMOTHY: I don’t even know his name, though!
TIMOTHY: I just see him around the cafe sometimes, but usually when he’s just there to read books or talk with his robot friend…
TIMOTHY: So I’ve never talked to him at the counter or anything…
RE: [TOY] Plaything - Lilium Mortem - 04-19-2022
Tim, let me give you some romance advice, have I ever been in a relationship? irrelevant. you gotta be brave, gotta look inside yourself and know you're feeling anxious but go ahead and face it anyway! talk to the guy, ask him what he's reading, or what he likes to get from the cafe. Once you've hit him with the small talk, try to probe for shared intrerests, common ground. from there you just gotta feel it out.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-19-2022
Hmm...maybe wait until the cafe is really full and there's no individual seats left, and ask if you could sit with him? Not sure if that'd feel too calculated, though. Does he hang around anywhere besides the cafe?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-20-2022
You place a wing on Timothy’s shoulder, the dog looking over at you.
POLKA DOT: Tim, let me give you some romance advice.
TIMOTHY: …have you ever been in a relationship?
...sort of.
POLKA DOT: Irrelevant.
That gets an amused giggle out of Willow- or at least, you think that’s what the string of beeps and chimes is.
POLKA DOT: You gotta be brave! Gotta look inside yourself and yeah, you’re anxious, but you’re gonna face it anyway!
TIMOTHY: Okay…okay!
TIMOTHY: But what do I…do.
POLKA DOT: Hmmm…
POLKA DOT: You could wait until the cafe’s really full, maybe when there’s no individual tables left, and ask if you can sit with him.
POLKA DOT: Not sure if that’s too calculated, though.
TIMOTHY: Yeah, I dunno…
TIMOTHY: Besides, he usually comes in with his robot friend, and they look like they’re always having serious conversations…
TIMOTHY: I don’t want to intrude on that!
POLKA DOT: What other places does he hang out other than the cafe, then?
TIMOTHY: Uh…I think he does laundry?
WILLOW: Wait…is he a white bear with blue accents?
TIMOTHY: Yeah!
WILLOW: That’s Devo. Sometimes our shifts line up.
WILLOW: He came in with his robot friend Roulette, and off shift they’re pretty inseparable.
WILLOW: I’m pretty sure they’re just friends, but it’s well known at this point that they hang out a lot.
That’s definitely the pair I met earlier…they must have been working their own shifts.
WILLOW: Not sure what you’d have to do to talk to Devo alone, short of interrupting him at work or finding out when he has time off to himself.
WILLOW: Or, you know…you could try talking to both…Roulette seems nice too, though I’ve never talked to it short of a passing hello.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - Lilium Mortem - 04-20-2022
I haven't talked to Roulette either, but I know it's supposed to be kinda skittish, so be gentle with it. Still, I don't see why you can't talk to both of them if they're always together. Maybe you'll end up dating both of them, who knows! romance is weird, or so I'm told. and then tell other people, because my advice is flawless.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-20-2022
Hmm. Maybe wait until they're both at an event that would be reasonable to approach them at, like if they go on a thrift trip or to the library. Or...is there a common interest you can bring up?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-20-2022
POLKA DOT: I haven’t talked to Roulette myself, but from what I hear, it’s kinda…skittish.
POLKA DOT: So you might want to be gentle with it.
POLKA DOT: I dunno why you can’t just talk to both though, if they’re always together.
POLKA DOT: Like, if they’re both at an event like a thrift trip or a trip to the library, that’s fair game, right?
TIMOTHY: I guess so…
TIMOTHY: We’ll see how it goes, then.
One of the machines beeps, Tim standing up and checking it out.
TIMOTHY: Oh! My stuff’s all dry!
TIMOTHY: I should probably get dressed and take my stuff back…
Both you and Willow avert your eyes as he pulls on a sweater and shorts- you doing it more out of following Willow’s lead than any actual embarrassment. The scottie drapes his work outfit over his arm, giving the two of you a grateful wave.
TIMOTHY: Thanks for the conversation…don’t stay out too late!
As he leaves, Willow shuffles out of her own chair, gesturing to her washer.
WILLOW: We should…check our clothes too.
WILLOW: You know. To transfer them.
You nod and get yourself up, both of you walking over to check on things- both washers beep in unison, just as you get close, and you remind yourself that that’s just how things are here. Magically “convenient”.
WILLOW: Just take them to an open dryer and throw them in…it’s easy.
POLKA DOT: I got it.
You shuffle your laundry over, a bit surprised at how heavy even just a little clothing is when wet- but you manage to get it rolling just as Willow does, heading back over to your seats.
WILLOW: ….
And now it’s just you two.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - Lilium Mortem - 04-21-2022
So... is the whole 'naked' thing really such a big deal? you could have melted your casing with that blush.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-21-2022
...you think I could fit in one of those
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-21-2022
Struggling to think of a conversation topic, you just…go for the first thought in your head and point to a washer.
POLKA DOT: …you think I could fit in one of those?
Willow giggles, but shakes her head.
WILLOW: You’re made of rubber, so…
WILLOW: Your body’s not, really, well…
WILLOW: Squishy…enough…
That gets the blush back on her face, and the silence continues.
WILLOW: …that can be a blessing, though…
WILLOW: As a rubber duck you’re hollow, but you don’t conform to pressure easily.
WILLOW: So…you can bounce back from an impact, but it takes a lot to actually deform your body.
WILLOW: …I bet you’d like the water.
The character on her face gives you a genuine, tiny smile, and your heart melts.
WILLOW: Maybe you could try a whirlpool tub at some point.
POLKA DOT: Those exist?!
WILLOW: Yeah, they get the water all swirling…I’ve heard that there’s one somewhere in the playrooms, but I’ve never actually been. Feels like there’s so many that I haven’t even been able to see them all in the year I’ve been here.
WILLOW: Besides, I can’t do water anyway. I have to be careful even changing my laundry.
POLKA DOT: Huh…well, at least you’re cautious.
POLKA DOT: I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.
She shuffles a bit at that, clearly embarrassed- but maybe not in a bad way.
The two of you grow quiet again, and another thought comes to mind- this one far bolder.
The two of you grow quiet again, and another thought comes to mind- this one far bolder.
POLKA DOT: So...what’s the big deal with you and nudity?
POLKA DOT: You could have melted your casing with that blush.
WILLOW: I know, I know, it’s silly…
WILLOW: Most people don’t care! Not just here, but in the entire city…
WILLOW: It’s usually not considered indecent at all, considering we’re all adults here.
WILLOW: Clothes are for practical or personal aesthetic reasons, for the most part.
WILLOW: But for me, I just…
The vpet shakes her head.
WILLOW: There are…layers to how virtual pets work, and even without projecting my “true self” or whatever outside of my shell, I feel…laid bare.
You remember Vine talking about this, you think…the “true form” thing.
WILLOW: I’d rather wear something, anything, even if it’s revealing.
WILLOW: …no excuse for me getting awkward around other people, though. They’re just doing their thing.
WILLOW: I can usually take it at the lounges and play parties I go to, because I know to expect it there, but when I’m taken off guard or in an environment where it’s not expected, it’s a lot for me to take in. I get nervous, and flustered, and embarrassed…
WILLOW: I know it’s just projecting my own insecurities, I know. I’ve been trying to work on it the whole time I’ve been here.
POLKA DOT: So…you’re uncomfortable around me right now?
WILLOW: No!
She raises her hands up, shaking her head.
WILLOW: You’re fine! Honestly, I should be fine with it here, considering people have to strip to do clothes all the time…
WILLOW: But with Tim, I barely know him, and it was my first time seeing him like this, and while I’ve seen you naked before already…
Willow rests her hands in her lap now, the character on her screen glancing to the side in a single-pixel movement.
WILLOW: …it’s different.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-21-2022
I getcha. Everyone has those things that get to them, and that's one of yours. Nothing to worry all too much about. It probably makes working in a place like this difficult though, doesn't it. Even if you are expecting it in the playrooms.
I'm not quite sure...my entire deal I have going on, but I know there's been things here and there that have bothered me. It's hard to pinpoint, though. It's mainly stuff with like, trusting people I think?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - skinstealer - 04-21-2022
POLKA DOT: Look, I get it.
WILLOW: You do?
She looks back over with a soft beep.
POLKA DOT: Well, not that exactly…
POLKA DOT: But…there’s stuff that bothers me too.
POLKA DOT: I’m still figuring my shit out- I’ve only been here for two days, for fuck’s sake, and so much has already happened…
POLKA DOT: But I think it’s…issues with trusting people.
WILLOW: Hm.
She kicks her feet a little as she thinks it over.
WILLOW: Not trusting enough, or trusting too much?
POLKA DOT: Huh?
WILLOW: You said that you’ve only been here for two days, and you’ve already made a bunch of friends.
WILLOW: That reads to me like you’re potentially more open than you’re giving yourself credit for.
WILLOW: But…maybe that’s the problem you have in mind.
WILLOW: So…
WILLOW: Trusting too much, or not enough?
RE: [TOY] Plaything - Lilium Mortem - 04-21-2022
A bit of both? Like I want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but ever since I got here I've been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things are too good. I got room and board, a job, and now friends and it just seems too good to be true.
What's the catch? Is Laurie secretly evil and stealing peoples life energy or something like a succubus? Is the city going to foreclose us? Will I fuck up and draw the ire of someone dangerous?
And these aren't even unrealistic worries because the fucking narrative could conspire to do any of them because it felt like I should have more drama or some shit.
RE: [TOY] Plaything - King-Clod - 04-21-2022
...I don't know, it's hard to tell. Trusting people and being open feels fine, feels right, until it doesn't, I guess? It stings every so often. And I can't tell if I'm worried over nothing or if I'm not worried enough.