[TOY] Plaything

[Lilium Mortem]

Why do we know we're toys? Why call it the toy store? there has to be some kind of context, we have to pretend to do things to do them, why can't we do those things and how do we know about them?

[knux400]

...huh. it almost feels like whatever powers that be are deliberately fucking us up. If the weird reality-bending forces are even stronger in there than they are out here (and they're pretty strong here), you could pretty easily engineer a situation to do specific things to a person.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Are you allowed to tell me more of what your friend saw?
 

Vine nods, drumming her hand on the bar.

VINE: Bodies.
POLKA DOT: …bodies?
VINE: Empty ones, not dead. They weren’t people yet.
VINE: Eventually one of those bodies would come to life as a new toy, and they’d be in the Store until they “grew up”.
VINE: But…the longer you’re there, the more frantic it feels to find the exit, even if you’re there for a return visit.
VINE: Entrance disappears once you’re inside, so…
VINE: It’s a race to get out before the feeling overtakes you. 
 

You really, really hate the sound of that…but something about it feels familiar, like you can almost remember something like that.

Something…desperate. 

POLKA DOT: How do you get in?
VINE: That, they wouldn’t tell me.
VINE: Said it was too dangerous to let anybody know the way in, not unless they had a really good reason to go- and I’ve got no inclination to make a return trip myself. 
VINE: Aside from that, though…
VINE: It’s oversized, super scaled up. 
VINE: Massive shelves “stocked” with toy bodies, empty shells…
VINE: Accessories, buildings, food, all in packaging unless somebody managed to tear it open…
 

Like your choker, maybe…

VINE: Apparently they came across some people living in one of the houses- but they were pretty much teens, and not doing well considering how long they’d been there. 
VINE: They were nice though…I hope that a lot of the toys there get the chance to stay nice, considering how cruel that place can be.
POLKA DOT: Is it, like…
POLKA DOT: Doing it on purpose?
POLKA DOT: Keeping people there until they’re desperate?
POLKA DOT: It sounds like these “forces” or whatever deliberately want to fuck people up.
POLKA DOT: Like, if they’re even stronger than out here…it could get pretty twisted, just in the way that they want.
VINE: Some people think so, yep.
VINE: My personal take…
 

She looks you in the eye, her own eyes tired.

VINE: …whatever makes a better story, right?
 

Something about that feels so horribly wrong to you, filling you with dread- the idea that you’re being watched, that this is all just someone puppeting you and everyone else around…

VINE: I don’t think it’s…I don’t know.
POLKA DOT: You don’t think it’s what?
VINE: Cruel. I don’t think it’s wholly, only cruel.
VINE: If it was, it wouldn’t allow places like this to exist, and allow people to actually stay in them, build relationships, build families…
VINE: Whatever it is, I don’t think it thinks. I think it just…does what would fit the narrative of a “better story”, and we’re all stuck in it.
VINE: Thankfully, good stories count too. 
POLKA DOT: Yeah…
 

You wonder if the “story” you’re stuck in is a good one, considering your own memories…but you have more questions that take priority.

POLKA DOT: So, why do we know we’re toys? Or any of this stuff?
POLKA DOT: Why do we call it the Toy Store?
VINE: No one knows that one, unfortunately.
VINE: We just…know things, presumably even from the moment we’re “born”.
VINE: Guess the stories wouldn’t work if you had to stop to learn and explain even basic concepts.
POLKA DOT: And memories…do they come back?
POLKA DOT: You said you remembered things.
VINE: Mm, they do.
VINE: Not entirely, as far as I can tell. 
VINE: But with time, they can. 
VINE: Typically when triggered by something related to them.
VINE: Be careful when digging around, though…
VINE: Not everything from back then is good to remember. 
 

You’re about to ask more when a chime echoes through the room, and some kind of bendy, cat looking toy steps out of the curtain. You glance up at the clock- it’s finally 10:30.

HOST: Welcome to Laurie’s Place’s tenth official fashion show, sponsored by Featherweight Creations!
HOST: Our theme tonight is straightforward- we’re having a focus on fashion mixed with function as usual, but with a bit of a winter twist.
HOST: Expect warm fabrics, cozy materials, and- if you’re really feeling fun, festive accents!
 

Most of the bar starts clapping, and you can’t help but join in for whatever reason. 

Vine leans over, rotating on her stool to face the stage. 

VINE: We can still talk during the show, as long as we keep it at a low volume.
VINE: Probably best to keep things light on the conversation topics, though.
VINE: Just dropped some heavy stuff on you, yknow?

[Lilium Mortem]

what do people around here do for fun besides Laurie's place stuff?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: What do people around here do for fun?
POLKA DOT: Like, outside of the stuff here.
VINE: Well…there’s some bookstores, a park, I think there’s a community center around here somewhere, but I have the hardest time finding it.
 

The curtain’s pulled back and decently loud, bass-heavy music starts to play…with…jingle bell samples? Weird, but you can kind of get into it. You like the way it makes your body rumble. 

VINE: Plus, work keeps me pretty busy. I’m the kind of person that’d rather stay inside after working hard, versus going out and about.
VINE: You strike me as the type that likes to explore and get into trouble, though. 
POLKA DOT: I mean…I may not remember much, but that tracks.
 

The first model steps out from the back, the same kind of toy as Minnie…but in an extremely revealing sweater dress, the entire back open and holes cut in various places along the front, creating an interesting effect as the toy’s internal figure darted between them. It has a turtleneck around the top that looks distinctly like tinsel, sparkling under the overhead lights.

You are transfixed. 

HOST: This piece has everything you need for those parties that go to wild places…while still looking your best- depending on how you accessorize, this can be an elegant or super sultry look!
HOST: You can also layer something underneath…lace and lingerie peeking out can make for an excellent added surprise. 

VINE: Huh, that’s a look.
VINE: Bit too shiny for me, but I think I’d like something that fluffy if it had more coverage too.

[King-Clod]

Oh definitely. It's a bit much for an everyday outfit for me, but it's an eye-catcher for sure. Love how they utilize the holes in the fabric. Less is more I guess.
The party bit interests me a little. What are those like, do you know? Have you ever been to one?
Oh, and. This is the tenth fashion show, right? How common are they? What do you have to do to enter one of these?

[Lilium Mortem]

You said there's a book shop, is there a library?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Yeah…
POLKA DOT: I dunno if I could get away with something like that every day, but…catches the eye for sure.
POLKA DOT: I really like the holes in the fabric…
VINE: You can get a lot of stuff like that, yeah.
VINE: A few of the people who stop by here to help out have…what are they called again?
VINE: Keyhole sweaters, or something. Just a hole on the chest.
VINE: A lot more suitable for just wearing around.
 

The model gives a flashy pose before returning back stage, the crowd clapping (including yourself and Vine, of course) as they vanish behind the curtain. Another model steps out- this one some kind of electronic pet toy, a little character displayed on the screen on their face. This one does admittedly make you feel a little bit flustered- their entire outfit is made up solely of thick, silky ribbons with a striped pattern, banded across their body and adorned with gift wrap-like bows. 

HOST: Want to be the present for your partner for the holidays? Look no further!
HOST: While you can’t get away with this one on the street, it’s a look that can’t be beat when it comes for silly yet sexy statements!
 

All you can do is nod in appreciation, and can’t get the thought of “what if it was black, or purple, though” out of your head. Vine seems to catch onto your distraction and laughs a little, giving you a playful elbow. 

VINE: Makes sense that you’d think that one’s cool- you’re Silk Ribbon after all, right?
POLKA DOT: Yeah…
 

You can’t keep your eyes off this one, but you can’t just leave it awkward like that. With your gaze still set on the stage, you try to keep the conversation going. 

POLKA DOT: The party thing’s kind of interesting…
POLKA DOT: Do people wear stuff like this to them?
POLKA DOT: What do they wear to them?
VINE: Never been to one, but I tried out cleaning duty early on after some casual playroom meetups. 
VINE: Sometimes there were stragglers that’d hang out in the halls, and they seemed like they had a good time. 
VINE: So…can’t help you too much on that one, since it’s not my scene.
VINE: Aside from some people unused to how we do things here, people seem to behave and enjoy themselves.

[Lilium Mortem]

Sit back and enjoy the show, you've talked enough for now. there's a lot of stuff you still gotta internalize. lets figure things out one step at a time.

[King-Clod]

Yeah, probably for the best not to chat too much outside of the show, we've talked about a lot today. I would like to learn more about modeling, though. Maybe we can ask around tomorrow?

[skinstealer]

You decide to focus on the show for now…you have a lot to take in, and while you’re really curious about the modeling gigs, that could wait until tomorrow. 

You hear the next model before you see them, a loud but pleasant jingling signaling their arrival onto the stage- this one’s some kind of stuffed deer, and something about the harness on their chest, absolutely covered with jingle bells and metal rings, feels…fitting, somehow. They’re wearing some kind of full cover hood…mask…thing on their face, even covering their eyes. It’s a little silly due to the large, red nose on the tip of their muzzle, but they’re actually…pulling it off, somehow. They seem confident, striking poses as the host commentates.

HOST: You all know them and love them- it’s Kristie! 
HOST: Sporting one of our signature hoods with a little holiday twist, as well as a harness that can’t be ignored- for those who like that extra themed goodness, this is perfect for you!
HOST: Please note that the harness, like all of our BDSM oriented gear, can be used with many of our bondage accessories with ease!
 

More of that bondage and BDSM stuff, huh…you like the strappy look, but you’re not sure how a harness ties into stuff- wait, what about the whole “restraint” things? Maybe that?

The next model is pretty tame considering what you’ve seen so far, a large, bulky dinosaur plush with patchwork fabric skin. He’s wearing only shorts and a collar- the former extremely short and covered in glitter, the latter adorned with a trio of ornament-like charms. It’s simple, but you still like it a lot…passable as regular wear, maybe?

HOST: A simple look that still catches the eye…
HOST: For those who want to spread cheer without going overboard, this’ll still make you a hit at any club!
HOST: Perfect for dancing and showing off, don’t you think?
 

The glitter’s a little much for you, not your style…but it’s a cute look for sure.

Then, the next model comes out, and you’re pretty sure your beak falls open a little. 

She’s another virtual pet but of a different model, the character on her screen looking like a little ghost and her shell painted with skulls. Even with the spooky appearance, the festivity is still there- in the form of a black bodysuit made of mesh, accented by white, snowflake-like lace. It’s like your top but so much more, and…there’s something about the vpet that draws you to her a bit, not sure where to look first.

Vine snickers a bit again, not out of malice or mockery. 

VINE: That’s Willow.
VINE: She’s a regular model around here, comes around for playroom stuff too.
VINE: Generally pays with laundry and errands for other staff members…been working here since she was a newbie too.
POLKA DOT: Uh…huh.
 

You don’t look away until she’s off of the stage, her keychain tail clattering as she turns to leave with a slight spin. 

Anything the host said is totally lost on you.

You try to focus before the next one comes on stage. Get it together. For fuck’s sake. 

This one’s a large, powerful looking horse plush, and at first, you can’t tell what’s supposed to be “sexy” about the dress it has on- it’s layers of green ruffled fabric and tinsel, looking like a decorated tree. You’re pretty lost…until it cheekily raises one of the layers to reveal a cage-like slip underneath.

HOST: A secret surprise for your holiday get together…silly on top, but saucy underneath!
HOST: Pair with lingerie for extra flair!
 

Everyone claps as always, and you feel yourself calming down from the whole…Willow situation. You’re chill.

HOST: Our last model of the night’s up next!
 

He steps out, a robotic dog toy with cuffs on both his wrists, neck and ankles, a leash in his own hand, and some kind of mask over his visor screen, iridescent and sparkling under the light. It takes you a minute to realize that the cuffs and leash are a light, metallic candy stripe, the tones close enough to each other to be subtle as hell. 

HOST: This look keeps your body bare but accessorizes well- with plenty of chances to get tugged around with our signature leashes!
HOST: Just like the harness, you have so many opportunities with other gear from our lineup- we have free catalogs available after the show!
 

The crowd cheers, and as the model heads out, you feel your entire body untense. That was…a ride, but you’re pretty sure you enjoyed the hell out of it. You wanted to see more of this stuff, and you got it.

VINE: So…how was that?
VINE: Wasn’t too much for you?

[Lilium Mortem]

It was interesting. Not too much for me, a little weird, but not bad. I even got a few ideas of stuff I'd like to wear. Maybe fashion can be my thing, who knows? Either that or VENGEANCE.

[King-Clod]

Oh no, it certainly wasn't too much. Makes me curious about what fashion is like in other areas, though. These all seemed to fit in the same sort of theme. I think I'll grab a catalog once the crowd disperses a bit.
...
...
...
So uh. Willow's a regular, huh? Not bring that up for. Any particular reason I just would like to know the general staff that I'll be seeing out and about and you seemed to know a lot about her specifically I don't know I should probably stop talking at this point wow.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: It was…interesting.
POLKA DOT: Not too much, a little weird, but not bad at all.
POLKA DOT: Makes me curious about what kind of stuff exists in other places…and what kind of stuff I can score for myself.
VINE: Well, everything here’s available for rental.
VINE: You planning on getting the catalog? 
POLKA DOT: Yeah, once the crowd disperses a bit.
POLKA DOT: Maybe fashion can be, like…my thing.
 

Aside from figuring out the bastard who hurt me… You can’t help but think.

Pushing thoughts of revenge out of your head, you get a bit brave, asking what you really want to ask. 

POLKA DOT: Willow’s a regular, huh?
VINE: Why, you interested in making a friend?
 

You can just feel that if she had a mouth, she’d be smirking.

POLKA DOT: Not! For any particular reason, I just want to know who I’m going to be working with, and you know a lot about people here, and, uh-
 

Oh god, she’s super judging you. Probably.

POLKA DOT: I’m just saying that you seem to know a lot about her and I should probably stop talking now.
VINE: Relax, kid. 
VINE: She’s not too used to this place either, only been here for about a year.
VINE: Showed up around the same time, actually…that’s just how it goes, newbies always pick up around this time of year.
VINE: That’s a talk for another night, though. I’ve already overloaded your little head with knowledge.
VINE: Back to Willow, though…
VINE: She’s some kind of spooky virtual pet, all ghost themed. Changed forms a few times since she showed up, but she seems to be sticking with this one.
VINE: She signed on with Featherweight’s modeling program after working in Laundry for a few months…guess she got into all that costuming stuff.
VINE: I know she does a lot of rental, but last time I checked, she’s also pretty interested in making her own stuff too. 
VINE: Might even leave us and work for Featherweight himself one day…but I dunno, she’d probably come around here plenty. 
VINE: Likes sweets, I think. The spooky ones usually do. 

[Lilium Mortem]

What do you mean by changing forms? What about this Featherweight character, what's their deal?

[King-Clod]

Mm... I might look into modeling myself. I'm not sure yet.
Oh shoot. Right - can I help you in the kitchen again tomorrow? I'm gonna need to make money, and I actually really liked helping out with that. It was a bit stressful to be sure, it's probably more-so for you since you could get stained and all. Do you think I could handle the sauces tomorrow?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Changing form?
POLKA DOT: Whatcha mean by that?
VINE: Ahh, yeah…you probably don’t remember how that works.
VINE: So, the plastic body you saw was Willow’s “shell”- the character on the screen on her face is a more accurate depiction of her “soul”, or something.
VINE: She, like most other virtual pets, can make some kind of projection of her true form- usually more detailed than the character on screen, and more blatantly person-like.
VINE: She can walk around like that in her “true form” for a while, but it takes energy and she can only go so far away from her shell.
VINE: People usually use it when they want to experience their senses more directly, because they can’t actually eat or feel as much with the shell. You gotta press the buttons on them to interact with the soul.
POLKA DOT: Weird…but I think I get it.
POLKA DOT: She likes dressing up the shell, then?
VINE: Yeah, but she could just as easily dress up the true projection. 
VINE: Might not even need to own the actual clothes for it, so…
VINE: I dunno. Guess she just prefers being in her shell than outside of it.
VINE: …probably safer that way.
 

The two of you dwell on that for a moment, watching people start to clear out.

POLKA DOT: What about this Featherweight guy?
VINE: Fashion designer and one of our partner businesses. Specializes in kink fashion, but word has it that his crew does fabric repair on the side.
VINE: No licenses for it, so they can’t actually market it as doctor work…
VINE: But it’s helpful if you have a small cut or tear and need an easy stitch up. They’ll charge you enough for that that you’ll feel like you’d be better off selling the arm itself at that point.
POLKA DOT: Yeesh…
 

You can see someone handing out catalogs by the stage, but you don’t want to go over quite yet.

POLKA DOT: I might look into this modeling thing, but…
POLKA DOT: Would it be okay if I helped you in the kitchen again tomorrow?
POLKA DOT: I’m gonna need money, so…
POLKA DOT: And I liked it. I really did.
POLKA DOT: It was a bit stressful, but like…
POLKA DOT: I could help you with the sauces or something- it won’t stain me.
VINE: Hmm.
 

She thinks it over, gears turning in her head.

VINE: Yeah, sure.
VINE: I’ll let Laurie know you want another day with me, and if you can hack it doing some more intense work and like the place, we can see about getting you some part time hours.
VINE: I start in the afternoon, so you can go ahead and get more hours for your room from Minnie and have some time to yourself.
VINE: Sound good?
POLKA DOT: It sounds great!
POLKA DOT: I mean…thanks. I really appreciated.
 

She reaches over to pat you on the back, pointing at the toy on catalog duty.

VINE: Better go over and get yours before they’re all gone. 
POLKA DOT: Yeah…
 

You hop off your stool, Vine doing the same as she gathers up her bag and adjusts her sweater.

VINE: Had a good chat with you tonight, kid. Stay out of trouble.
POLKA DOT: No promises.
 

With one final appreciative look, you start heading over to the catalog giver. They’re a plastic giraffe toy with a really long neck, peering down at you with a smile.

????: Interested?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, one please-
 

There’s another soft voice behind you, startling you out of your skin.

???? (2): I’ll take one too, please. 
???? (2): My friend wants one…
 

You look over your shoulder and just about die inside when you see the purple shell and a pixel ghost hovering on a screen.

WILLOW: It couldn’t make it…but I know it wants something for our next play party.

[Lilium Mortem]

up whats? I mean is what up- whups sap? ...hi.

Make the rubber duck squeaking noise and run away.

[Pichi2214]

Grab one of the catalogues first, if you have to run!

And try to say nice to meet you or some form of conversation if you can managed it and it's not too overwhelming
Try saying your outfit was really cool!

[King-Clod]

We can be chill, hopefully. We're not running yet, this might be our only chance to talk to her.
Say she was really good tonight, and that you really liked the shirt she modeled. Ask if modeling lets her keep the clothes, or if it's more of a rental thing. Just light small talk.