[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Hey man, let’s get you some clothes.
TIMOTHY: Okay…uhh…
POLKA DOT: We start with casual stuff first, right? Could look around there myself.
TIMOTHY: Yeah!
 

His confidence seems to return at that, and the two of you start making your way over.

POLKA DOT: Remind me what you’re looking for again.
TIMOTHY: Something nice that I can wear on off days…
TIMOTHY: But…still kind of nice looking. And masculine.
POLKA DOT: Let’s take a look, then.
 

You start sifting through clothes, Tim occasionally holding up clothes against himself and asking you how it works with the red of his eyes and nose. It’s a bit hard to find something that fits, but you pull out something that makes his face light right up. 

It’s a white sweater with red stripes, with extra long sleeves- Tim looks around before slipping it on over his top, giving rolling up the sleeves a try.

TIMOTHY: Huh…it looks super cozy when unrolled, but…does it look kind of classy when they’re rolled up?
POLKA DOT: Hell yeah, man. You look great.
TIMOTHY: Okay! It’s, uh….
TIMOTHY: Only three dollars?!
 

He double checks the price tag, looking to see if there’s any misplaced stickers.

TIMOTHY: I heard that this place keeps stuff at a discount to help out newbies and people within Laurie’s network, but…
TIMOTHY: Fabric isn’t cheap! How are they even staying in business?
POLKA DOT: Guess there’s people who give a shit even outside of the club.
TIMOTHY: I guess so!
POLKA DOT: You’re gonna need some pants to go with it, right?
TIMOTHY: Yeah!
 

Your dog friend’s tail is wagging as the pair of you make your way over to get some pants, and this time, he’s the first one to find some dress pants.

TIMOTHY: Look! These gray ones would stand out against my fur!
POLKA DOT: Perfect.
TIMOTHY: Now we have to find something for you!
TIMOTHY: What are you looking for?
POLKA DOT: Hm…some kind of long dress, I think.
POLKA DOT: Something comfy. Good for vibing or sleeping.
TIMOTHY: Dresses are over there!
 

You realize as the two of you look through stuff together that you’re having…a genuinely great time. You just met Tim, but he’s genuinely pleasant to hang out with, his positive attitude when excited almost infectious. 

You both manage to find the dress at the same time, pulling it out and holding it up. It’s purple, just like your ribbon, and long enough to reach your ankles. You try it on over your clothes and sure enough, it fits wonderfully. You feel…cute? Huh. Kind of nice.

It’s four dollars, and you are definitely getting it.

POLKA DOT: You wanted something kinda imposing and fancy, right?
POLKA DOT: For both work and parties?
TIMOTHY: Y-yeah…
POLKA DOT: Suit time.
TIMOTHY: Oh, god..
 

Even though he’s nervous at the prospect, the fact that his tail’s wagging gives away his excitement as well.

Once you get to the formalwear section, he clams up, simply shaking his head at most of the stuff you offer. 

Finally, you pull out a red and white striped suit, and his eyes light right up again.

TIMOTHY: I’m…going to go try it on!
 

You follow him to the changing rooms and sure enough, it fits like a glove. He looks sharp, and even with the twenty five dollar price tag, he’s willing to pay- he says that’s a hell of a deal, anyway.

POLKA DOT: Okay, last stop for you…sleepwear.
 

Tim makes sure to check that Devo’s gone before heading into the aisle with you, and almost immediately goes for the silk section.

TIMOTHY: I love this material…feel!
 

You follow suit, surprised at how nice the texture is. 

POLKA DOT: You should totally get some.
POLKA DOT: Look, red!
 

He gleefully adds his findings to the pile, and turns to face you.

TIMOTHY: Okay, your turn again!
POLKA DOT: Huh?
TIMOTHY: You said you wanted a hot outfit!
TIMOTHY: The risque section might have something for your party!
POLKA DOT: R-right…
TIMOTHY: Cmon, be strong! You can do this!
 

He practically has to drag you over, just like you did for him with the suits, and before you know it, you’re looking at a rack of fancy, sexy outfits…some have loose threads here and there, but they all look to be in good condition otherwise.

TIMOTHY: Okay, I don’t know what you’re looking for exactly, but you can ask me for an opinion on anything. No judgment.
POLKA DOT: Alrighty then…
 

You start sifting through, your face heating up at the thought of wearing any of it. Though…

Two things stand out to you.

A lacy piece of underwear labeled a “femme jockstrap” that could probably fit your tail, and a top/skirt combo with straps of sleek fabric banding across the chest and stomach- leaving plenty of skin exposed. The skirt also seemed…very short.

You remember the feelings you got over poking at your tail, and just about die thinking about the fact that it’d be exposed.

POLKA DOT: Uh…okay, so…
POLKA DOT: I found these, and I like them, but I’m worried whether it’d be weird to have my tail out.
TIMOTHY: …your tail’s already out.
POLKA DOT: What?
 

You turn to look, and sure enough, you’ve somehow missed the fact that your skirt rides up over your tail, not long enough to hang over it.

TIMOTHY: You didn’t feel a draft?
POLKA DOT: No!
POLKA DOT: So my ass has just been out this whole time?!
TIMOTHY: I thought it was intentional!
TIMOTHY: No one’s going to mind!
POLKA DOT: Oh, god…
TIMOTHY: Willow would probably like it! It’s fine!
 

Your face is practically covered in blush at this point, and Timothy hesitates for a moment before trying to mimic one of Vine’s pats.

TIMOTHY: Seriously, no one’s going to judge you.
TIMOTHY: And…I think it’d be cool to accentuate it!
TIMOTHY: Work with what you’ve got!
POLKA DOT: I GUESS.
 

You check the prices, and somehow you’ve only managed to accrue 26 dollars worth of stuff. Vine did say she’d cover any extra, so…success. 

All of a sudden, you hear a slightly familiar voice from the next aisle over- still in the risque section.

DEVO: I just don't know...I want to get over it and just go already, but I need something to wear that's better than...what I've usually got on.
ROULETTE: I am sure anything you wear will look nice. I doubt you would stand out.
ROULETTE: In a negative way, I mean.
DEVO: I guess...
DEVO: I feel like I will, though.
DEVO: It's just, been a bit...
 

Tim immediately shrinks behind the rack, scared shitless at the prospect of Devo literally around the corner.

TIMOTHY: Oh god, he's right there.
TIMOTHY: What do w- I do?
TIMOTHY: Now's a good chance, but he's busy, and I just-
TIMOTHY: Should I go ask- fuck, I don't know-

[sarcovyn]

twas fate that bring the bear before us timothy... unless you DO wanna dip, in which case fate is probably gonna keep doing this until you Do It. i can be your wingedman, like i can go in there and signal to you when there's a good place to butt in - and then at that point, it's up to you!

[King-Clod]

Let me make this easy for you Tim. You got two options.

Option One: We can go over there and talk to them about the party when the conversation lulls, or...
Option Two: We look for something sexy for you. While they're right here. And we have you try it on.

Pull out a leather harness and shake it about invitingly.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Use this as a moment to gauge their tastes, do it. There is no better time than now.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Okay...this is your chance.
POLKA DOT: There's no better time to do this.
POLKA DOT: Let's wait for a good moment to bust in there- you can probably learn something about what Devo likes, too!
TIMOTHY: You don't think it's weird to listen in?
POLKA DOT: Well...
POLKA DOT: As long as you're upfront, it should be fine?
POLKA DOT: You got this.
TIMOTHY: Okay...
 

The two of you focus back on the conversation at hand.

DEVO: ...is it too much though?
DEVO: Like...I don't have cleavage or anything like that, but it conforms like I do...
DEVO: Is that weird?
 

Next to you, Tim is going to combust.

ROULETTE: I don't see why it would be.
ROULETTE: Is it something you dislike?
DEVO: No! It...actually looks like it'd be pretty cool.
DEVO: But...
DEVO: You know how self conscious I get.
DEVO: With...everything.
ROULETTE: I know. That's alright.
ROULETTE: If you enjoy it, and you'd like to, you could find something to accentuate that.
ROULETTE: It all really depends on what you'd want with something more 'risque,' I think.
ROULETTE: ...Though, I am not sure I'm the best person to give advice on that.
ROULETTE: It's all guesswork to me.
DEVO: Fair enough, I know this isn't really your scene.

POLKA DOT: Okay time to get in there-
TIMOTHY: What??
POLKA DOT: Tell him you're going to the party!
TIMOTHY: O-okay!
 

Tim slowly makes his way over, with you hiding behind the end of the rack, listening in.

TIMOTHY: H-hey!
TIMOTHY: I hear you're uh, going to one of the parties?
TIMOTHY: I'm also from Laurie's!
DEVO: Oh, yeah...
DEVO: You're, uh...
DEVO: Timothy, right? 
 

As you look on, Roulette backs up a few paces, probably not wanting to intrude.

It takes you a moment to realize they're backing up towards you.

Before you can move, they swivel around. 

Their camera-head points in your direction, the robot now right next to you.

You freeze.

They stare blankly.

At least... you think so. Their lens aperture doesn't give you much insight into how they're feeling.

They look back at Devo once, then-

ROULETTE: Could I have a word with you? 

[Lilium Mortem]

Yes, over there, in clear view of the rest of the store but away from tim and devo.

[sarcovyn]

get that kind of anxiety you get when someone goes "can i talk to you about something serious" instead of stating upfront what they're about to say. clam up uncharacteristically. stammer out a "yes"

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Play it close to the vest. Not too suave but don't act like you're in any trouble.

[King-Clod]

Shoot. We probably look pretty sketchy hiding around the corner like this. I wonder if they recognize us.

"Uh...yeah, sure. What's up?"

[skinstealer]

You have to play it cool. Suave.

...you're probably not in trouble, right?

POLKA DOT: Yeah, ssssure...but...let's give Tim and Devo some space.
POLKA DOT: Just a bit over there okay?
ROULETTE: Sure.
 

You walk over a little ways, getting some distance between you and the other pair. You won't be able to hear their conversation now, but....

They also wouldn't be able to hear yours.

POLKA DOT: So...
POLKA DOT: What's up?
 

The robot glances away to the side, taking a moment before it addresses you.

ROULETTE: Were you the one who reported what happened in the hallway?
 

It doesn't say it in an accusatory way, as far as you can tell, but the question throws you off regardless.

 

You...aren't sure how to answer this- but your silence speaks volumes.

The robot nods slightly.

ROULETTE: I don't blame you for doing that.
ROULETTE: Not at all.
ROULETTE: But-
 

It pauses.

ROULETTE: I doubt... the likelihood of that happening again, to me.
ROULETTE: And I doubt that you would be there again to see that, if it did.
ROULETTE: But... I am sure you're aware how this place can be.
 

At this point, the robot glances away from you entirely.

ROULETTE: If something like that happens again-
ROULETTE: Specifically with me-
 

It resumes eye contact.

ROULETTE: Please don't report it.
 

Roulette's shutter 'blinks',
and it moves its gaze straight ahead now, close enough that you can hear the rotors moving.

ROULETTE: I apologize... for putting this on you.
ROULETTE: But I cannot afford to rock the boat here.

[King-Clod]

...Gotcha. This is tricky.
"Look, I'd love to respect your wishes on that front, but... in order to keep Laurie's safe from creeps, stuffs going to have to be reported. Like, more people than just you would be affected if I don't. I doubt I'd see something like that happen again to you specifically, but... I can't just turn a blind eye if I see something, I guess? Would it be easier if I leave your name out? ...What is this about?"

[Lilium Mortem]

I cant sit idly by and just watch as someone gets hurt, If I can do something about it, I should. I don't know what your deal is, but I believe in what Laurie is trying to build. I believe that we should trust each other and look out for each other.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: I…get you, and I’d love to respect your wishes on this, but…
POLKA DOT: I can’t sit on the sidelines and watch as somebody gets hurt.
POLKA DOT: In order to keep the creeps out, stuff’s gonna have to get reported.
POLKA DOT: Even if nothing happens to you again specifically, or I’m not there to see it…
POLKA DOT: I believe in what Laurie’s trying to build, here. 
 

You flash back to what Vine told you on the way, about newbies getting hurt by that Saddler guy.

POLKA DOT: …Some kind of sanctuary, where people don’t have to worry about getting…hurt, assaulted, the works…
POLKA DOT: I can leave your name out if I see it again, but…
POLKA DOT: …
POLKA DOT: What’s this about?
 

The robot stares at the floor.

ROULETTE: ...
ROULETTE: ...I understand.
ROULETTE: The nature of this is not anything you need to concern yourself with.
ROULETTE: Beyond that...you know my feelings on the matter.
ROULETTE: At the very least, leaving my name out is better than nothing.
ROULETTE: I apologize for wasting your time.
 

With that, Roulette makes its way back over to the risque section, hanging back to give Timothy and Devo plenty of room.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Return back awkwardly.

[King-Clod]

I feel like that...could have gone better, yeah. Maybe we'll ask Vine for advice about it later? Or would that make things worse?

...For now, let's check how Tim's doing.

[skinstealer]

You start shuffling back over, returning awkwardly to your hiding place.

DEVO: Yeah, and…
DEVO: I dunno.
DEVO: There’s lots of reasons why I feel like I can’t go yet, but…
DEVO: The encouragement is nice.
DEVO: …and so is the suit you picked out.
TIMOTHY: Really?!
TIMOTHY: You don’t think it’ll be too much?
DEVO: Well…
DEVO: I admittedly don’t have the best experience with like…
DEVO: People in formalwear?
 

From what little you can see, Devo looks…uneasy at that. 

DEVO: But yours is fun, not stuffy or anything.
DEVO: I think if I were to show up at a party and saw someone wearing that, I’d more just think it’s cool.
 

Tim’s tail is wagging a mile a minute.

DEVO: So…yeah.
DEVO: I was worried about my outfit, but you and Roulette reassured me on that.
DEVO: Only right that I do the same for someone- and I do mean it, I mean.
DEVO: Just, yeah, you know.
TIMOTHY: Yeah! It’s totally cool!
 

Devo hesitates for a moment before reaching his hand out to shake, and Tim eagerly takes it.

DEVO: Next week, I might try to come by the munch you mentioned.
DEVO: I dunno if BDSM will be my scene at all, but…
DEVO: Nice knowing there’s somebody I at least know a little there, right?
TIMOTHY: Yeah! And it’ll be my first time there too, so…yeah!
TIMOTHY: Thank you!
TIMOTHY: I’ll make sure to be there!
DEVO: Better get back to shopping though…time’s almost up, and I want to make sure me and Roulette got everything.
TIMOTHY: R-right!
TIMOTHY: See you!
DEVO: See you. 
 

He starts walking back, turning for just a second.

TIMOTHY: …thanks again!
 

With that, he zooms back to you, practically flopping over and wheezing when he does.

TIMOTHY: Oh my god…
TIMOTHY: He’s so cute.
TIMOTHY: Do you think I did okay?

[Lilium Mortem]

You did great Tim. It looks like the two of you really get along.

[King-Clod]

You got a date, dude. Hard to do better than that. And he likes your suit!
Well, I think you got a date anyway. What's a munch, going to lunch or something?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: You got a date, dude.
POLKA DOT: Hard to do any better than that. 
POLKA DOT: Looks like the two of you really get along, and he likes your suit!
POLKA DOT: …what is a munch, anyway?
TIMOTHY: Oh!
TIMOTHY: Well, they vary. The usual definition is just…a get together, usually with snacks, for people to gather and talk about kink stuff and arrange events.
TIMOTHY: There’s a couple of groups in the city outside of Laurie’s that do stuff, but, yknow, here’s safer…
TIMOTHY: The one I’m going to allows for fancy dress-up because it’s not in a public space, and some demonstrations of gear and techniques are gonna happen…
TIMOTHY: More in an educational way than for anyone’s gratification, but some light cuddling and teasing is allowed aside from that…
TIMOTHY: …I’m not going to try and get my hopes up for things going that route with Devo, but even just going and trying to see if he likes this stuff is going to be nice.
TIMOTHY: He’s been here in the city for a few months, but only at Laurie’s for one, so he’s trying to branch out and experiment a little.
TIMOTHY: I think he’s nervous, but…so am I, considering I barely know this stuff myself!
TIMOTHY: So…learning experience for us both!
 

His tail is wagging again as he explains, and you can’t help but smile to see your new friend so happy.

TIMOTHY: Oh! We should find Vine and check out before we have to leave!
POLKA DOT: Yeah, sounds like a plan…I hope she’s okay with me going a little over.
TIMOTHY: She said so, right? I’m sure it’ll go fine!
 

It takes a bit to find Vine, but luckily, she’s at the end of the check out line. 

VINE: Hey, you two.
VINE: Get everything you need?
TIMOTHY: Yeah!
POLKA DOT: Yeah, think so.
VINE: How much did it all cost, Ribbon?
POLKA DOT: 26 bucks.
VINE: Easy enough…nice and in budget.
VINE: Here.
 

She reaches into her embroidered purse and pulls out some bills, rifling through them to make sure the right amount’s there.

VINE: Should be set. 
POLKA DOT: Thanks, Vine!
 

The line moves slowly, but you get a peek at Vine’s haul as she starts to pay. All stuff with hand-done embroidery and patches…

POLKA DOT: Huh. Those are nice.
VINE: Thanks. I worry it makes me look old fashioned sometimes, but maybe that’s not a bad thing.
VINE: …I have been told I “dress like a grandma”, though.
POLKA DOT: …Cindi?
VINE: Mmmhm.
VINE: But, I don’t take it badly. After looking the word up, it doesn’t seem like the worst thing to be.
VINE: …still not fond of being parental in any sense, but grandmothers seem like they’ve got kind but stern energies. I can work with that.
 

She hands over the money and her clothes are bagged, and then it’s your turn. You try not to feel nervous as you hand over your two piece outfit, but the cashier doesn’t even bat an eye. A little thrill of excitement goes through you as you take your bag and join Vine on the side, Tim scooting forward to pay for his pile.

VINE: …couldn’t help but notice you talking to Roulette.
VINE: Everything okay there?

[Lilium Mortem]

It's fine. Roulette gives off some weird vibes though. not bad, I just don't know what to make of it.