[TOY] Plaything

[knux400]

If you do turn into something like that, I have permission to ride into battle on your back, right? I could be the cool warrior type with the sword and all, and you'd be the ferocious beast that's secretly super nice...

[Pichi2214]

no, that's the coolest!! I think... i would like that too honestly. having a cool monster girlfriend that can carry me sounds awesome

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: No! No, that’s not weird!
POLKA DOT: You know what-
POLKA DOT: I think I WOULD like to be carried around-
 

You bury your face into her neck and nuzzle up hard again, getting those ghostly giggles out of her.

POLKA DOT: -by a BIG HOT GIRL!
CROSSBONE: H-hey!
CROSSBONE: You’re so silly-!
POLKA DOT: I’m serious, though!
CROSSBONE: …you are?
POLKA DOT: Yeah!
POLKA DOT: I think it’d be cool, to like…
POLKA DOT: I dunno. Having a cool monster girlfriend sounds awesome!
POLKA DOT: I wouldn’t have to walk, I could go ahead and sit on your shoulder and take naps in your giant purse-
CROSSBONE: Wait, where’d the giant purse come from?
POLKA DOT: Well, you’d be big now, right? You need a big purse to go with it.
POLKA DOT: And that purse will be my bed.
CROSSBONE: I’ll have to keep an eye out for giant purses, then…
POLKA DOT: …did you get cool spikes? Or flame breath?
CROSSBONE: I can’t remember most of the details, honestly…
CROSSBONE: I think I got a mouth?
POLKA DOT: Whoa.
POLKA DOT: That’s, like. Advanced kissing territory, if both of us have mouths.
CROSSBONE: True…
CROSSBONE: I could figure out ways to use that.
CROSSBONE: Also…
 

She gives you a teasing look.

CROSSBONE: Girlfriend?
POLKA DOT: I-I mean!
CROSSBONE: I mean, if I do turn into a monster and you’re cool with it, we could be girlfriends at that point, I think.
CROSSBONE: I do like the idea of being that close…
CROSSBONE: I just….didn’t want to rush things. Even though we kind of are already.
CROSSBONE: But if that’s a direction you want to go…
CROSSBONE: We could try it.

[Pichi2214]

we dont have to rush things!! aa im sorry... i just got kinda excited cause this is very comfy... being vulnerable and listened to genuinely.
i think.. taking things a bit slower for now would probably best, but... I'd like that, one day. Being girlfriends would be nice...
Once we're both ready for it and not still in this jumble of a rush of new things and narrative and all of that

If that sounds good to you?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

We can really take as much time as you need but... wouldn't mind testing things and seeing how we feel long term personally. I think no matter what we'll figure out what works best but I really do like you.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: W-we don’t have to rush things!
POLKA DOT: I’m sorry, I just-
POLKA DOT: I got kinda excited ‘cause this is really comfortable and safe and…yeah.
POLKA DOT: We can take things slow and give ourselves as much time as you need…
POLKA DOT: But…
POLKA DOT: I wouldn’t mind testing things out, and trying things someday.
POLKA DOT: Figure out how we feel long term.
POLKA DOT: Being girlfriends would be nice, and I really do like you…
 

Cross leans in to give you a little kiss on the forehead, and you blush at the tender gesture- even with how subtle it is, it’s perfect for the moment.

CROSSBONE: That’s sweet…
CROSSBONE: I really like you too, Polka.
CROSSBONE: We’ll take it slow then, and maybe when the time is right, we’ll know.
POLKA DOT: Yeah. We’ll know.
 

It’s quiet again, and you sink into the cocoon-like feeling of the bed once more.

CROSSBONE: …do you want to mess around some more, or are we just cozy for tonight?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

DO GAY BE CRIME LETA GOOOOOOOO

[Lilium Mortem]

I'm leaning cozy. I just want to have this moment with you, to relax, to breathe, to hold and be held and not worry about what tomorrow will bring.

[MarxzVulpez]

last round got kind of intense, and I kind of want to relax. but, do you know of anything more low key we could do potentially, even if it's just something like being close/making out?

[King-Clod]

uuugh I really wanna mess with you more, but I'm feeling pretty sleepy now as it is...
mind if I just, lay against you and nap for a little?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: …is it okay if we stay cozy?
CROSSBONE: I wouldn’t have offered if it wasn’t, of course we can.
POLKA DOT: Thanks…it just, got kinda intense, and I wanna have this moment with you.
POLKA DOT: Maybe we could kiss a little, but I kinda just want to lay against you and nap.
CROSSBONE: I’ve got just the thing…hold on for one second.
 

You wait patiently for something to happen, and you nearly jump out of your skin as the bedroom door opens- Cross’ shell walking in from the hallway.

POLKA DOT: Scared me!
CROSSBONE: S-sorry!
CROSSBONE: I figured I could sandwich you…
POLKA DOT: Yes please.
 

The shell scoots in at your back, and your friend’s two bodies squish you between them, getting the faintest squeak in the process. Two completely different feelings, but both of them are nice…

CROSSBONE: Hehehe….I get to hug your tail.
POLKA DOT: Gay.
CROSSBONE: The gayest.
 

As you start to drift off, you find yourself alternating kisses between Cross’ bodies, almost sleepily overwhelmed in the best way possible. It’s clear she’s just as tired as her bodies slowly get less active, snuggling against you.

 

You finally sleep, and it is blissfully dreamless.

END OF PART 1

---

The days pass. You work tirelessly, your skill in the kitchen growing with only a few mishaps…

Vine chastises you on something, Cindi praises you on another. You make a new special and treat Cross to it, and she says it’s her new favorite.

What are these things?

[King-Clod]

Vine chastised us for going out into the city without a buddy. We knew it was stupid, and it could go wrong, but we had just made enough money to get some good fabric from the thrift store. There wouldn't be another trip there for some time, for some stupid reason I can't remember, so we just went on our own. It was fine. We brought our weapon, and we got to and from safely, remarkably, but she wouldn't let us hear the end of it.

Cindi praised us on our technique. We're handling our temper better, and are more focused now. It's slow, but we're improving. I still get the feeling she doesn't quite respect us yet, but I'm trying not to let it get under my skin.

Our treat for Cross? It was a dessert of course, we know her sweet tooth. It was macarons. One that matched her shell with a little skull printed on top, one that was speckled with some sprinkle glitter we found, and a bunch of plain ones. We ran out of energy making them fast, but she told us they were lovely nonetheless.

[Lilium Mortem]

1. Daydreaming on the job
2. Exceptional growth in combat skill
3. chocolate frosted devil food cupcakes with white chocolate skulls. you call them jolly rogers.

[skinstealer]

VINE: You…
 

Vine sighs, pressing a paw against her forehead.

VINE: Let me get this straight.
VINE: You went out, on your own.
VINE: After everyone telling you not to.
POLKA DOT: I handled it-
VINE: I know, and I’m glad you’re safe.
VINE: But for the love of- Saddler’s still out there!
VINE: Just because you’ve been here for over a week doesn’t make you invincible, Ribbon.
POLKA DOT: I…I had my weapon, and I’ve been practicing with Cindi…
VINE: A weapon isn’t going to be enough against someone like him, not from the stories I’ve heard.
VINE: Once the blacklist went up, we started hearing more and more.
VINE: I have half a mind to sit you down and start telling you some, to scare you enough to take this seriously…
VINE: But by the look on your face, you’ve learned your lesson.
VINE: Right?
 

You nod vigorously before looking down in shame- for some reason, this is…definitely reminding you of someone you used to know.

Sandy. It was always telling me to stop screwing around…

Your mentor just sighs again after seeing the look on your face, and gives you a pat on the back.

VINE: Look…
VINE: Was it worth it, at least?
 

You look up, pinpricks of tears in your eyes.

POLKA DOT: Huh?
VINE: What you went out for, what’d you get?
 

Her voice softens.

VINE: Had to be pretty cool, if you risked going out on your own.
 

Your face lights up as you pull out your shopping bag, letting her rifle through.

VINE: Huh…lots of fabric remnants. Good stuff, too.
VINE: Are you planning on making something?
POLKA DOT: Yeah!
POLKA DOT: Willow and I had some ideas to try out together…
VINE: Sit down and tell me about ‘em.
VINE: You two are sweet, I want to be caught up on what’s going on there…
 

She listens to every word.

 

---

CINDI: N…not bad, heh.
 

The horse plush is doubled over, using their long arms to support themself.

CINDI: Gut shot…nasty when paired with a hammer.
CINDI: If you were really aiming to kill, you could go for a seam rip with the claw end.
CINDI: …do that to me, and you’re totally fired, though.
CINDI: Laurie doesn’t hire murderers.
 

There’s a smile to her voice as she says it, and you can’t help but feel a distinct sense of pride.

CINDI: Didn’t get pissed, either.
CINDI: You’ve got focus. Good.
POLKA DOT: …it’s really that significant?
CINDI: For a week’s work? Yeah.
CINDI: You’ve got a long way to go, duck, but I’m seeing promise.
CINDI: You’re getting somewhere.
CINDI: …though I gotta wonder something.
 

You brace yourself as she stares you straight in the eye, almost as if she’s trying to puzzle you out.

CINDI: You really do seem like you’ve fought before.
CINDI: Maybe not with a hammer. Maybe not well.
CINDI: But you’ve done some damage.
CINDI: …I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t worrying.
POLKA DOT: Why’s that?
 

You can’t help but sound defensive when you say it, your skin prickling.

CINDI: Feels like I’m giving a loose cannon actual training.
CINDI: Loading up a weapon or something.
CINDI: You better not make me regret this, duck.
CINDI: Your anger’s getting better. Way better.
CINDI: But you better keep it that way, or I feel like we’re gonna see some guts splattered.
CINDI: Got that?
POLKA DOT: …got it.
 

---

CROSSBONE: Really? Just for me?
POLKA DOT: Well…it was the special today, so not just for you…
POLKA DOT: But this one’s got some extra flair.
POLKA DOT: That’s just for you.
 

She’s practically bouncing as you set the plate down in front of her, hopping up on the adjacent stool and swinging your legs. You can’t wait for her to try…

The dessert in question is a cupcake- you used a blank base miniature and carefully painted each one a chocolate brown, letting them “bake” to dry…the resulting flavor? Devil’s food cake.

CROSSBONE: Is that a little skull on top?
POLKA DOT: Mmmmhm.
POLKA DOT: They’re called Jolly Rogers.
CROSSBONE: No.
POLKA DOT: Yes!
CROSSBONE: You really love that pirate dream!
POLKA DOT: I mean, I had another one and everything. Maybe it’s a sign.
POLKA DOT: We still gotta make our costumes…
CROSSBONE: Hehehe…maybe we could debut them at a costume party.
POLKA DOT: They have those here?
CROSSBONE: On occasion.
CROSSBONE: Usually during the fall season, but…people here love getting dressed up.
CROSSBONE: I’ll keep an eye out for one…
POLKA DOT: Hopefully not too soon. We’ve got work to do.
CROSSBONE: I’ve got some sketches, actually.
CROSSBONE: We can go over them after this!
POLKA DOT: Sounds perfect.
 

You lean in to give her a little kiss on the screen, her internal character shimmying around, all embarrassed.

CROSSBONE: You’re so sweet…
POLKA DOT: Not as sweet as the Jolly Roger I made.
POLKA DOT: Go ahead, try it.
CROSSBONE: Here goes.
 

She raises it to her face and her pixel character takes a bite, a happy little sun icon popping up.

CROSSBONE: It’s perfect.
POLKA DOT: Yeah?
CROSSBONE: Super rich!
CROSSBONE: And the skull on top compliments it a lot…
 

You watch her eat until the cupcake disappears, and you can’t deny a little tingly feeling as you do. Eating sweets had become kind of a…thing for the both of you over the past week, and admittedly, you’d spent a few more evenings taking turns sharing food with each other. Even stuff like this, where it was a completely chill environment separate from that…it gave you a little thrill to see Cross eating your cooking.

CROSSBONE: Delicious.
CROSSBONE: You’re going to have to make me some of these in private…
 

The thought of it makes your head spin- looks like she had the same idea.

You’re going to have to memorize this recipe.

 

---

Another week passes.

You and Cross go on a date, outside of Laurie’s. You and Tim see something incredible. You and Beans get to know each other a little bit.

What happens with each?

[MarxzVulpez]

You see a Cheesy Giant Monster movie for the date with Cross, See a shooting star with Tim (and I don't remember who Beans is sorry so I'll just suggest for those two)

[King-Clod]

Cross and I went to an indoor roller skating rink. It was a really fun time, but she had a lot better balance than I did. I swear, the rink was filled with muffle squeaks as I ran into walls and fell on my face over and over. She felt bad about it, but we laughed it off and told her it was fine, we'd been through worse scrapes. Then the disco ball came down. And we danced in the middle as well as we could manage on wheels, and leaned in close for a short kiss. It would've been longer, but I slipped again halfway through. I'm blaming the skates. They weren't made for flippers like mine.

Tim and I were sitting outside of Laurie's despite the bitter cold to relax, and to talk about life and stuff with some semblance of actual privacy. He still seems worried about me... I'm not sure how to take that. After a bit there was a lull in the conversation, before he grabbed my arm and pointed up at the sky. At first I thought it was a shooting star, but then I saw more of them. So much more. It was a full-blown meteor shower. Not sure if it's an omen of anything, but I'm choosing to believe it's a good one if it is. I'm...not sure if you're supposed to, but I secretly made a wish. I'm not gonna tell it, though.

I've tried to make small talk with Beans a few times during my shift last week, but we were always too busy with orders to really talk much. Plus, I wouldn't have a clue what to start with. "Hey, here's my trauma from the Store?" I'll pass. "Hey didja know I'm punching our other coworker in the parking lot every other day?" Not really much more to say there. So it was kind of a stalemate. But today they had a new...tattoo, it looked like? A whole sleeve of em. I joked about if they were temporary tattoos or not, and we actually had a pretty interesting conversation from there! We should really talk more often.

[Lilium Mortem]

We go see a horror movie for the date, a bad one. we laugh and banter and make fun of it. as the end credits roll, kisses.

on a trip outside Laurie's, Tim and us see the night sky change permanently, as if someone was swapping out an old backdrop for a new one.

We get paired with Beans for trivia night and learn about xer interests.

[skinstealer]

CROSSBONE: So you’ve never seen a movie before.
POLKA DOT: Nope.
POLKA DOT: I mean…I don’t think in a theater, at least.
POLKA DOT: It’s not gonna scare me to see moving pictures, if that’s what you’re worried about.
CROSSBONE: It did cross my mind, but…
CROSSBONE: Even still, are you sure you want to see a horror movie for your first try?
POLKA DOT: Please. I can take it.
POLKA DOT: Worst case scenario, I get to hold your hand.
 

Little pixel blush pops onto the character on Cross’ screen, and she can’t help but sway from side to side at the gay thought of it all.

CROSSBONE: I guess that wouldn’t be so bad…
CROSSBONE: But please let me know if you want to leave at any time!
POLKA DOT: I will. Promise.
 

The theater is mostly empty as the two of you walk in and take your seats, sitting in back.

CROSSBONE: This way, nobody kicks our seats.
POLKA DOT: Huh, that the pro strategy?
CROSSBONE: I mean, I wouldn’t call myself a pro...I just went to a couple of these with the model crowd when it was my turn to pick out movies.
POLKA DOT: You go out with them regularly?
CROSSBONE: Sort of? It’s more of a thing we do after rehearsals sometimes, not guaranteed or anything.
CROSSBONE: I’m not, yknow, close with any of them, but it’s nice to have an excuse to get some air…
CROSSBONE: Though with it becoming more dangerous these past few months…we haven’t really gone out at all.
CROSSBONE: I know we’ll be safe, though.
 

She extends her hand for you to squeeze, and the theater grows dark.

The movie itself is…well…

It establishes itself as bad very quickly, but thankfully not in any kind of objectionable sense. The opposite- it’s funny, and the two of you have to keep from laughing too loud and getting yourselves kicked out of the theater. While you can’t quite joke to each other out loud, you make silly faces back and forth at all the right moments, and when you can finally let the laughter out as the credits roll, you get plenty of glares from the sparse theatergoers.

As the two of you kiss though, it barely matters.

 

---

TIMOTHY: What’re you thinking about?
POLKA DOT: Huh?
TIMOTHY: You’re staring off into space a little.
POLKA DOT: Yeah, just…thinking.

You’re sitting on the bench outside of Laurie’s with Tim, both of you decked out in your warmest clothes and kicking your boots in the dirty snow. It’s night and only just barely outside of the building feels safe enough to get some fresh air, but the two of you are taking the opportunity to get some feelings out.

TIMOTHY: Well…
TIMOTHY: I’ve been thinking a lot lately, too.
POLKA DOT: Yeah?
TIMOTHY: Mm…I can’t say I was expecting either of us to get partners so quick-
TIMOTHY: Wait, do you and Willow use terms yet?
POLKA DOT: Not yet, but we’re open to it someday.
TIMOTHY: Gotcha…Devo and I are boyfriends now, I guess?
TIMOTHY: Which! I am super psyched about!
TIMOTHY: I’m glad we hit it off so well…
TIMOTHY: …
TIMOTHY: But I’m worried I may not be able to help him in all the ways he needs it.
POLKA DOT: What? You’re like, the most supportive guy I know.
 

Tim shakes his head.

TIMOTHY: That’s not what I mean, exactly…
TIMOTHY: I can’t really go into it, not without violating his privacy and trust- and I’m not about to do that.
TIMOTHY: But Devo needs some help that I don’t know if I know how to give yet…I’m going to try and learn.
POLKA DOT: …is it anything, uh, I can help with?
 

His eyes light up.

TIMOTHY: Maybe, actually!
TIMOTHY: Do you, um…
TIMOTHY: Wait, no, you do! You do know!
POLKA DOT: Know…what exactly?
TIMOTHY: Sewing! You know how to sew, don’t you?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, of course I do, silly.
TIMOTHY: Ugh, I’ve been wracking my mind on who to go to for help with this, and you were there the whole time…
TIMOTHY: …could you teach me how to? Sew, I mean.
POLKA DOT: I don’t see why not. It’s kinda important.
TIMOTHY: Thank you…I can’t go into details, but even just knowing basics would be huge…
TIMOTHY: I can get my own materials and everything! So don’t worry about that-
TIMOTHY: I just…it’s important.
POLKA DOT: Of course man, I got you.
 

You reach out to give Tim a shoulder pat, and he gives you a warm look.

TIMOTHY: Thanks…
 

There’s quiet for a little bit as the two of you watch the occasional car go by, taking in the city ambiance before Tim’s tugging on your arm, pointing his paw towards the sky.

TIMOTHY: Ribbon! Ribbon, I just-
POLKA DOT: What, are you okay-
TIMOTHY: I saw a shooting star!
 

You look up and see the plain ol’ night sky backdrop the same as it always is, a crescent moon hanging overhead.   

POLKA DOT: Looks the same to me.
TIMOTHY: Keep looking-!
 

You keep your eyes trained on the sky, and nearly jump out of your skin when you see it.

POLKA DOT: Oh my god!! There!
TIMOTHY: Yeah!!
TIMOTHY: I told you!!
 

Another one shines down and the two of you are hooting and hollering, getting some irritated looks from toys passing by.

You make a little wish on a particularly bright one, but you don’t tell Tim.

It’s just for you.

 

---

POLKA DOT: So, uh….Beans.
 

You lean over on the counter in the back room, making what you hope is a casual expression.

 

The spirograph just looks at you, xer expression a little bit nervous.

BEANS: …yes?
POLKA DOT: I’ve been uh, trying to talk to you.
POLKA DOT: More.
BEANS: …mhm.
POLKA DOT: Because, yknow, we’re coworkers.
POLKA DOT: And you seem cool.
 

Xey nod.

POLKA DOT: …yyyyeah.
BEANS: I’m…not the most….
BEANS: Interesting toy here…
POLKA DOT: Yeah, but-
 

As xey turn to fuss with xer bag, you notice ink patterns along xer arm.

POLKA DOT: Wait, is that a new tattoo?
BEANS: Huh? Oh…
 

Xey hold up xer tattooed arm, the patterns spiralling around from xer shoulder down to xer wrist. It’s all abstract designs, but there’s something…whimsical about them.

BEANS: I guess I did get this done this weekend…
BEANS: I couldn’t come in yesterday because it was still hurting pretty bad.
POLKA DOT: Wait, tattoos hurt? It’s just painted on, right?
BEANS: Sorta…it…varies.
BEANS: They hurt because they’re supposed to hurt, I think…
 

Xey seem a little embarrassed at your interest in xer new ink, but as you ask more questions, xey perk up, bit by bit.

 

---

 

Another week passes.

Your sleep is restless, just as it has been the past three weeks. But this time…

A specific dream jumps out at you…a really, really weird dream...one that you're not sure how to feel about.

How does it start?

Some abstract concepts influence your dream, pulled from the depths of your psyche.

What are they?

[MarxzVulpez]

The dream starts with you tending to a garden in a backyard. The backyard is on a hill overlooking an ocean. There's also a Full length mirror slightly taller than you are propped up against a tree in the backyard.

As for concepts: recognition, conversation, ebb and flow, reconciliation

[Lilium Mortem]

you're running up giant cake that towers higher than the clouds on stairs made of chocolate and frosting. you never seem to get higher. you feel desperate and are screaming a name that you can't remember.

Concepts: The duality of hope and despair, the feeling of catharsis after you've grieved enough from loss, what it feels like to kick off your shoes after a long day, the sound of laughter at a joke that only makes sense in the context of the community that created it.