[TOY] Plaything

[Ignispark]

Best to leave things be for now, if it's really needed you can always talk about it later.

[skinstealer]

You don’t want to overwhelm it, that’s for sure…but…this feels important.

You’ll keep it simple.

POLKA DOT: It was…back in the uh, Toy Store…
 

I don't need to go into too much-

POLKA DOT: I did some things I’m not proud of, I guess is how I’d put it.
POLKA DOT: Really, really awful shit.
 

But you can't stop yourself there.

POLKA DOT: I...don’t feel good about any of it, and I don’t know if I ever did, but…
POLKA DOT: But nobody really knows about any of it.
POLKA DOT: And I don’t…know if I want them to.
POLKA DOT: So when it comes to people not knowing you, I feel that too.

 
The gravity of your past starts hitting all over again, and even though your next words are soft in volume, they come out heavy, and every syllable feels like you can't possibly hold it back.

POLKA DOT: …feels like if they did, they’d run.

Roulette turns its head just enough to look at you,
lens opening once more.



It takes a long time, looking you over.

ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...You really... don't remember, do you?
ROULETTE: It was... dark, so... it's possible you... couldn't see-
ROULETTE: Wouldn't, recognize-

An ice cold feeling runs down your back.

 

Everything seems to slow down, and when you manage to choke words out, they're horribly strained.

POLKA DOT: ...why...would you know-
ROULETTE: I've known since-
ROULETTE: ...I remembered in the pawn shop. That it was you.
 

The robot's voice is shaky, turning more often into unintelligible, quiet static.

ROULETTE: I... almost-
ROULETTE: For- For what you Did, I nearly k-

It rolls over onto its side away from you, pulling the blanket up over itself.

ROULETTE: . . .




ROULETTE: The wrench-
ROULETTE: ...I aimed for your head.
ROULETTE: I think- I remember, try-trying that-




ROULETTE: . . .




ROULETTE: ...you...
ROULETTE: ...are alive, I can only assume, because I...
ROULETTE: ...missed.

[Ignispark]

Damn, having one eye must've really messed with your depth perception...you'll need to aim better than that in the spooky death forest.

Well, not really like anything's going to change the past, or that you in fact, failed to commit murder. Not exactly like it's worth holding a grudge over what was probably justified and failed to follow through...not exactly like a corpse would've held a grudge either, but you know.

These things happen sometimes! Probably. In any case uh, aiming for the head was probably a pretty good call. Shows good judgement. So, everything's okay! Great, actually.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Lucky for me, hopefully stays that way.

[skinstealer]

You stare down at your wings, silent for what feels like way too long to be comfortable.

How do I…respond to something like that?

It’s not its fault, how could it ever-

POLKA DOT: I…I mean…
POLKA DOT: You were justified!
POLKA DOT: I k-killed your friend!
POLKA DOT: Aiming for the head was the best call there!
 

The robot keeps itself well-hidden under the blanket,
electronic voice somewhat muffled.

ROULETTE: You-

ROULETTE: ...Denny did not die.
ROULETTE: You did not kill them, only... came close.
ROULETTE: Regardless, why would you think it's alright for me to kill You in-
ROULETTE: What, out of revenge?
ROULETTE: That doesn't make it any less reprehensible, what I tried to do.

ROULETTE: ...Maybe you don't remember, but you had your weapon Down.
ROULETTE: I remember.
ROULETTE: I rem- I remember the look on you-your face, when-
ROULETTE: ...You had clearly been talked into it, or- I imagine something in that ballpark.
ROULETTE: You didn't want to. You were done.
ROULETTE: Your weapon was down.
ROULETTE: You were afraid.
ROULETTE: ...That did not Stop me, Polka Dot.
ROULETTE: I took the swing anyway.
ROULETTE: A pointless- A meaningless act of violence, drawn up in anger, that-


 

Under the blanket, its posture curls up some.

ROULETTE: ...And the fact that that is...in me, that I am Capable of that-

ROULETTE: ...How could you possibly want me with you on this trip? Or-
ROULETTE: No one is really safe, if I am there.
ROULETTE: I ca- I should Not, Risk, anyone's safety, by-

ROULETTE: . . .

ROULETTE: If
ROULETTE: If you are sure you need me, and you are sure Devo is coming along.
ROULETTE: Then-
ROULETTE: ...
ROULETTE: ...I do not have much choice.

ROULETTE: But after this, I am done.
ROULETTE: Once we clear the forest, on the way back-
ROULETTE: ...I am leaving Laurie's.

[Ignispark]

I mean, that's really just two counts of attempted murder then. One by me, one by you Evens out. Everything's okay.
I mean, to be fair, there's a decent chance we're going to have to kill some monsters if they try to harm us and there's no other way out...
so really you're just adding to the overall safety.

Whether or not you leave is your own choice, but do remember, it's not exactly like you're looking to murder people gee wizz what a fun time. You actively understand that act is wrong and what not. You're bothered by that! That's, a. Good thing! Asides you can't just, let something that didnt even follow through dictate your whole life? I mean you can. It's your life and your choice but like. Wouldn't Devo miss you? Or whatnot? Make sure you think this kinda thing through before committing to it.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: …whether or not you leave is your choice. I’m not gonna tell you how to live your life.
POLKA DOT: But…wouldn’t Devo miss you?
ROULETTE: I should've been more careful with that, I know.
ROULETTE: That's something I have to live with.
ROULETTE: But he has others around him, now. He's making friends and more, and fitting in well.
ROULETTE: He'll have that, and then he'll be safe once I am not a factor anymore.
ROULETTE: So, it will still be for the best, even if I know it's going to hurt.
ROULETTE: I'm only glad that I didn't make connections with anyone else, it would've made this harder on others, too.
POLKA DOT: ...he's not in danger with you, though, not from what I can tell.
POLKA DOT: And if you're really worried about the whole "attempted murder" thing, which again, I do not blame you for, we're going to need that kind of instinct.
POLKA DOT: There's monsters out there!
POLKA DOT: You don't have to treat it like some kind of horrible...like you're a weapon or something.
POLKA DOT: It's not like you're going to hurt like somebody like that again. It's not inevitable.
ROULETTE: ...Then I can come on the trip, and I'll leave after that.
ROULETTE: And I'd say that solves the issue.

ROULETTE: ...Thinking about it, it may actually play better that way.
POLKA DOT: ...how so?
ROULETTE: There's no real reason for you to-

ROULETTE: . . .

ROULETTE: ...Will you try to stop me, if I tell you?
POLKA DOT: No promises, I might.
ROULETTE: Then I cannot tell you, can I?
POLKA DOT: Guess not, when you put it like that...
 

You're quiet again, wings in your lap.

POLKA DOT: ...just...
POLKA DOT: You should at the very least talk to Devo or something before you go.
POLKA DOT: If you leave, you leave, but from what I can tell, he cares about you.
POLKA DOT: It'd be kinda fucked to just...bail without a goodbye. I dunno.
ROULETTE: I plan to talk with him.
ROULETTE: Not that you should be worrying about that in the first place, but...I'll be speaking with him about it, before I go.
 

You nod, figuring that's as satisfied as you're going to get with this.

POLKA DOT: Sorry for being nosy and all, just...yeah.
POLKA DOT: And for what it's worth...I, uh, forgive you. For all that.
POLKA DOT: You don't- you don't have to do the same for me.
POLKA DOT: But I wanted to say that.
 

It finally pulls the blanket off from over itself, seeming to have calmed down relatively.

ROULETTE: ...I forgave you as soon as I remembered it happened.
ROULETTE: It's only now that I have the chance to tell you.
ROULETTE: ...I hope you forgive yourself.
POLKA DOT: I-

All of a sudden, there's a knock at the door, and a familiar voice.

TIMOTHY: Everything alright in there, Ribbon?
TIMOTHY: Some guy told me you came up here, wanted to check in-
 

The bot lowers its voice to an electric whisper.

ROULETTE: ...would you like the room? To stay and rest?
ROULETTE: I can go back downstairs.
ROULETTE: ...you can see the stars through the sunroof, here.
 

It points, the vivid night sky hanging above you.

You manage a smile at that, nodding.

POLKA DOT: ...yeah. That sounds good.
ROULETTE: Good luck.

It braces itself momentarily,
taking a few seconds, rubbing its claws down over the sides of its head.



It walks to the door,
placing a claw on the handle.

The camera lens looks back at you, Roulette giving you a near-motionless wave,
then turning the handle.

ROULETTE: Ribbon is in here.
ROULETTE: Apologies for the confusion.
 

The robot's flat affect is back in full force,
making you aware of its absence throughout the bulk of your previous conversation.

TIMOTHY: Oh! Hey Roulette!
TIMOTHY: Glad that she found you...how'd it all go? Everything alright?
ROULETTE: Yes.
 

As it speaks, it casually shifts past Timothy out the door.

ROULETTE: I was having, ah... a little bit of trouble, but Silk Ribbon talked me through it.
ROULETTE: She's very dependable with that sort of thing.
 

By this point, it's already reached the stairs.

ROULETTE: ...Nice to see you, as always.
 

It nods to Tim, then makes its way down.

The scottie dog gives it a friendly expression as it passes, turning to you with wide eyes.

TIMOTHY: You were hanging out with Roulette? That’s awesome!
 

He flops onto the bed with you, shuffling into a cross legged position.

TIMOTHY: How’d it go? Is it in our party? Are we set?

[knux400]

It... probably wouldn't be very wise to make things complicated by immediately telling people Roulette wants to leave, nor would it be very respectful to Roulette since it told us this in confidence literally 30 seconds ago. Just tell Tim that Roulette's in the party, and don't elaborate unless asked.

[MarxzVulpez]

Yeah, it's in our party. The situation is... complicated but I'm not really at liberty to break down the really nitty gritty of it.  How's the party going for you, are you having fun?

...
....
also, Tim there's something I want to talk to you about that's been weighing on me for a bit now. I don't want to bring the mood down but I'm worried we won't find or have much time to talk before the trip, and we almost certainly won't have time to talk about it on the trip itself.  (this is working towards telling Tim at least part of the bad dreams PD's been having and what polka dot's remembering about her past)

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Yeah, it’s in the party…
TIMOTHY: …is everything okay?
POLKA DOT: It’s…complicated. Not really at liberty to get into it much.
TIMOTHY: Well, that’s a relief…
 

Tim’s own tone seems reluctant, and you can’t help but give him a look.

POLKA DOT: Is everything okay with you?
POLKA DOT: Party going okay?
TIMOTHY: Welllll….
 

He sighs, rubbing a paw against the side of his face.

TIMOTHY: Kind of…gave Devo a lecture.
TIMOTHY: Which I hate doing, it makes me feel like the biggest asshole in the world.
TIMOTHY: But…
TIMOTHY: I don’t like the fact that he was willing to just, use himself as a bargaining chip for the Roulette thing.
TIMOTHY: It’s not fair to Roulette to use that as leverage…he just…went from going “I’ll go if Roulette does!” to “Okay, tell Roulette I am coming.” And while he says that part of it is definitely him getting more conviction to go…
TIMOTHY: I don’t know. I told him he shouldn’t be doing stuff like that.
POLKA DOT: …how’d he react to that?
TIMOTHY: I…don’t know if I worded things right, but-
TIMOTHY: He’s…probably gonna talk to Roulette about it. Give it an out and apologize, that way if it goes, it’s doing it of its own volition.
TIMOTHY: Devo seemed pretty upset, but…
TIMOTHY: I think…more with himself than anything.
TIMOTHY: He didn’t yell or anything, just got really quiet and apologetic.
TIMOTHY: I couldn’t really get him to stop apologizing-
TIMOTHY: I wanted to just text you when we were done, but Devo looked like he needed some space, so….I went looking for you instead.
TIMOTHY: …guess we swapped heavy talks.
POLKA DOT: That’s a way to look at it…
POLKA DOT: …you guys gonna be okay?
TIMOTHY: Oh, yeah! I think it’ll be fine…
TIMOTHY: Might be awkward for a bit, but…I think his heart’s in the right place.
TIMOTHY: Just a really shitty way to go about it, and I know that Roulette would be hurt like that.
POLKA DOT: …good on you for calling him on it then.
TIMOTHY: Yeah…I’m just…trying.
TIMOTHY: I’m not great at this whole “relationship” thing sometimes, it feels like…
TIMOTHY: Not like my history with it’s any good. It feels like there were so many ar….
 

He trails off, his voice growing quiet.

TIMOTHY: …it doesn’t matter anymore.
TIMOTHY: But I really do feel good around Devo. I want to make it work.
POLKA DOT: You will, man. You will.
 

That cheers your canine friend up significantly, his ears perking up.

TIMOTHY: Thanks, Ribbon.
 

There’s quiet, and the two of you flop back onto the bed, looking up at the skylight.

Roulette’s right- the stars are beautiful from here.

POLKA DOT: …do you remember what I said yesterday? About not wanting to face my past?
TIMOTHY: Mhm.
TIMOTHY: That stuff bothering you right now?
POLKA DOT: …yeah.
POLKA DOT: I don’t want to bring the mood down-
TIMOTHY: Please! I just talked about how I had to scold my boyfriend!
TIMOTHY: I’d go for any other topic right now.
 

The line about scolding his boyfriend gets a laugh out of you before you can help it, but the smile that comes with it fades quickly.

TIMOTHY: ...especially if it means actually helping somebody.
TIMOTHY: So... go ahead.
POLKA DOT: If you're sure...
POLKA DOT: I’m…facing it a lot sooner than I expected, I think.
POLKA DOT: Or wanted.
POLKA DOT: All of these fucked up dreams, lately…
POLKA DOT: And…getting one of them confirmed as real.
 

When you glance over to your side, you see Tim looking right at you, attentive and listening.

TIMOTHY: I’m here.
POLKA DOT: …I just feel like if I don’t talk about it now…
POLKA DOT: I won’t get to on the trip itself.
POLKA DOT: Can’t shake the feeling.
TIMOTHY: Then go ahead. Let it out!
TIMOTHY: You’ve…heard my story. I’m here for yours.
 

You nod, turning back up towards the stars. They’re just…little glowing cutouts in the sky, but there’s something about them that gives you something to hold onto.

You pick out the biggest one, and as you start to talk again, you hold onto it like a raft, keeping you afloat through the nerves.

POLKA DOT: I have a lot of dreams about Willow, which is great…
POLKA DOT: But on the nights I don’t…it’s…usually about this other person.
POLKA DOT: I don’t ever remember a name.
POLKA DOT: Every time I hear it, it’s like it’s…muffled.
POLKA DOT: But…
POLKA DOT: We’re friends, I think. In the dreams.
POLKA DOT: …up until the point where I upset them.
TIMOTHY: They lash out at you?
 

You nod again, and Tim’s muzzle scrunches up.

TIMOTHY: I can relate, there…
TIMOTHY: What do they do?
POLKA DOT: That’s the thing, I’ve only ever gotten a few glimpses, but…
POLKA DOT: …I think they were violent. I know they were violent.
POLKA DOT: I have proof of that now-
 

Your voice hitches, and the weight of Roulette’s confirmation starts to hit you in full force.

POLKA DOT: T-that….they made me violent, too.
POLKA DOT: I’m…I’m scared that I did a lot of it on my own…
TIMOTHY: Do you dream of doing it all by yourself?
POLKA DOT: No, but-
TIMOTHY: Then I don’t think that’s giving yourself enough credit.
TIMOTHY: I may have only known you for a month or so, but…
TIMOTHY: You don’t seem like the kind of person that’d hurt somebody without a reason.
 

A flash of your near-fight with Cindi makes you feel a bit sick.

POLKA DOT: …I appreciate it, but…
POLKA DOT: I…don’t know if that’s true.
POLKA DOT: …I think they twisted my head up.
 

It’s Tim’s turn to be quiet, and after a few moments of silence, you can’t help but look over in a panic-

He’s staring up at the ceiling, paws resting against his forehead.

TIMOTHY: …I feel you.
TIMOTHY: I really do.
POLKA DOT: Yeah?
TIMOTHY: Yeah.
 

You turn back to the stars.

The big one’s still there, twinkling away.

…you wonder if Tim’s watching the same one.

TIMOTHY: …if we meet this person, the one that messed with you, and they give you shit-
TIMOTHY: I’ll…beat them up or something.
 

The idea of sweet ol’ Tim wailing on anything is almost funny, but you don’t dare laugh with how serious he sounds.

 
POLKA DOT: For real?
POLKA DOT: You don’t, uh, have to-
TIMOTHY: I know you’d do the same for me.
TIMOTHY: But…is there anything else I should know about?
TIMOTHY: About this, other dreams, anything?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Share whatever could be useful, and let Tim know you really appreciate his words. Knowing people have your back in this confusing, weird world is valuable.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: …there was another dream, too.
TIMOTHY: Yeah?
POLKA DOT: I…
POLKA DOT: I think…it may have been a premonition. About the adventure.
 

The look Tim gives you is dead serious, his eyes focused on yours.

TIMOTHY: …how bad was it?
POLKA DOT: Bad. Really bad.
POLKA DOT: I…I don’t know all the details, but you were there, and Devo, and Willow.
POLKA DOT: No Roulette, but…I don’t think that means anything in particular, not when it was so iffy that it’d be coming anyway.
POLKA DOT: There was this…thing.
POLKA DOT: …you said it was hunting.
TIMOTHY: Hunting us, you mean?
 

You manage a nod, and he sighs- not out of irritation, but a different emotion you can’t place.

TIMOTHY: Great…
TIMOTHY: I mean, we knew there’d be monsters…sounds like there’s just…an extra nasty one.
TIMOTHY: Not really a “just” situation, though.
TIMOTHY: Did we, uh…live?

The look on your face tells him more than your words could.

TIMOTHY: Mmgh. Awesome.
TIMOTHY: Anything we should know about this thing?
POLKA DOT: It…had something to do with tar. I couldn’t make any details out, but…
POLKA DOT: Tar, and weird voices.
TIMOTHY: Not much we can do with that, but…
TIMOTHY: Something to look out for, I guess.
 

No one speaks for a few moments, your eyes on the stars.

TIMOTHY: …I’ll help take that thing down. I will.
POLKA DOT: You can’t do that on your own-
TIMOTHY: We don’t know that yet.
TIMOTHY: I’m planning on going to these…training grounds deeper in the city when I can. I figure we could get the whole party together and get some practice sessions in before we go…
POLKA DOT: Yeah, Willow mentioned something like that…
TIMOTHY: Then that’s our next step.
POLKA DOT: That, and talking to that old toy I met about gear- Wanderer, I think her name was.
TIMOTHY: Easy enough…should probably do weapons first. Make sure we’ve got things down.
TIMOTHY: …winter clothes, too.
POLKA DOT: Huh?
TIMOTHY: Might be snowy out in the wilds, too!
TIMOTHY: Don’t want to freeze to death out there…
POLKA DOT: …I didn’t even think about that.
POLKA DOT: Are…Willow and Roulette going to be able to handle that?
TIMOTHY: Hell if I know! I don’t know how electronic toys work even a little bit.
TIMOTHY: But…that’s why we should get some warm clothes, and supplies for warming up.
POLKA DOT: What a fucking mess…
 

You rub your wing against your beak, your anxiety clearly shining through.

TIMOTHY: …yeah.
TIMOTHY: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, too…
TIMOTHY: The more I think about it, the more antsy I get.
TIMOTHY: But…
TIMOTHY: This means a lot to Willow.
POLKA DOT: More than I can even wrap my head around, if I’m being honest…
POLKA DOT: She just…she seems so happy thinking about this.
POLKA DOT: And, like, when I think about stuff like her being a big ass monster and doing gay shit with that, that seems great!
POLKA DOT: And the way she’s so enthusiastic about it, that seems great too!
POLKA DOT: But…
POLKA DOT: …
POLKA DOT: I…hope she realizes how serious this shit is.
TIMOTHY: …you gonna try to talk her out of it?
POLKA DOT: No chance in hell. She’s obsessed with this stuff, and with how good it makes her feel, I can’t blame her.
POLKA DOT: I’m not jealous, but…I can’t help but wish I had something like that to shoot for.
POLKA DOT: Some kind of goal, you know?
TIMOTHY: …yeah.
TIMOTHY: I get that too.
 

You can hear him shuffling around beside you, and when you glance over, you can see your canine companion holding a pillow to his chest, giving it a squeeze.

TIMOTHY: S-sorry, uh-
TIMOTHY: Force of habit.
POLKA DOT: Stress thing?
TIMOTHY: …yeah.
POLKA DOT: I get it, man…I get it.
POLKA DOT: And…
POLKA DOT: I appreciate you being here for me, okay?
POLKA DOT: Feels like you always got my back.
 

He sits upright at that, giving you a determined look.

TIMOTHY: O-of course I do!
TIMOTHY: I…don’t try to half ass things, and that includes friend stuff.
TIMOTHY: …besides, I know you’d do the same.
TIMOTHY: You’re good like that.
 

After you give him a grateful nod, he flops back over, getting back to squeezing and squishing the pillow.

TIMOTHY: …you think Devo and Roulette are doing okay right now?
POLKA DOT: Hope so…but I guess we’ll find out about it either way.
TIMOTHY: Hell of a night…
 

You don’t talk much after that, just…watching up above.

It’s comfortable, more than you could have expected.

When you get home, you crash into bed and almost immediately pass out, not even bothering to kick off your shoes.

When you dream this time, it’s good. For fucking once.

What do you see?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You see someone nice for a change, maybe even a little wish fulfillment.

[Ignispark]

...something that's both nice, and horrifying? But like in a way where you don't know if you're scared, intrigued, or it's actually really cool. Something that utterly confounds the soul.

[skinstealer]

There’s the sound of a familiar, rhythmic beeping…soft and gentle, resembling what you’ve been told is a heartbeat…

You open your eyes, slowly, and smile as soon as you see your favorite shade of purple.

Cross is sleeping, your partner’s display showing a pixel character curled up under a blanket. Her arms are wrapped around you, and even though it’s a more rigid position than it would be if she was projected, it’s still…

You close your eyes again, focusing on the sensations around you.

The beeping, lulling you into a sense of warmth and security.

Ridged plastic arms, perfect for you to run your wings across.

Soft rubber buttons, lightly squished against you but not enough to actually be pressed.

Your wings on her waist, feeling the curve there.

She stirs slightly as you snuggle up to her, pixel character shifting a bit.

CROSSBONE: Mmmgh…
CROSSBONE: Someone’s cuddly…
POLKA DOT: Just a little…
CROSSBONE: Good…
 

She leans in to kiss you on your forehead, her screen smooth against your rubber skin as she lets out a little beep.

CROSSBONE: You’re extra cute when you’re affectionate…
POLKA DOT: Feels like that’s a constant with you.
CROSSBONE: Well, that just supports that you’re always cute.
 

It’s your turn to give her a kiss back, going for the plastic right to the side of her screen- her cheek, in a sense.

POLKA DOT: Says you.
CROSSBONE: Mmmhmmm…
 

Both of you grow quiet, but it’s still just as warm…

Something shifts, Cross’ hand shaking a bit against your back.

POLKA DOT: …you okay, babe?
CROSSBONE: I’m…I’m good-
 

Before you can get a good look at her screen, liquid plastic splatters against your face, her head splitting open and falling into a hood-like shape around her neck

You can’t even react, frozen in horror as a skull head unfurls, more canine than usual-

I’ve seen this before.

Taking a deep breath, you try to steel your nerves as the rest of her body shifts, growing larger and nearly encompassing you. Her ridged plastic arms may end in flaming claws, but they’re still smooth to the touch, and the fire’s warm, not burning. There’s still those cute little buttons, albeit far less little now… and to top it off, her now-humongous wings surround the two of you like a blanket, making a cozy cocoon.

CROSSBONE: I’ve got you…
 

She’s got me.

You can hear the beeping now that the panic’s wearing off, that little heartbeat just as soft and sweet as before.

CROSSBONE: You’re safe…
 

I’m safe.

CROSSBONE: And I’ll always, always protect you…
 

Prickles of tear-paint start to form at the corners of your eyes at that, those words meaning more to you than you’re ever ready for.

POLKA DOT: But-
CROSSBONE: You don’t have to be strong all the time, Polka…
CROSSBONE: Let me take care of you.
 

All you can do is nod, holding onto her tighter.

She runs her hands up and down your back, the flames somehow soothing even with the tingly feeling that comes with them. It’s enough to make you feel like you’re melting.

CROSSBONE: Hey, Polka…
POLKA DOT: Mmm?
CROSSBONE: You know what I can do like this?
POLKA DOT: Yeah?
 

She leans in, her jaw opening just slightly, getting closer and closer-





Your alarm starts blaring, the expression on your face as your eyes snap open only describable as “irritated”.

I was just getting to the good part! Fuck!

…guess I’m kind of into the idea of monster Cross too…

 You aren’t sure how to process that right now, that’s for sure.

Speaking of the devil, you’ve got some texts.

[♥ Cross ♥]: hope the party went okay last night!
[♥ Cross ♥]: fill me in whenever you can, i wanna know how stuff went
[♥ Cross ♥]: <3

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Be cute and offer to meet up to do catch up soon.

[skinstealer]

[Silk Ribbon]: party went p good, wish you were there tho
[Silk Ribbon]: would have been cool to dance with my fave devil girl~
[Silk Ribbon]: we can catch up soon, okay?
 

You set your phone down, trying to take inventory.

No work today, bar’s closed for some sort of bank holiday.

You’re still totally wiped from the party anyway….but there’s still a lot to do. Too much to do, really.

Your phone buzzes before you can get too far.

[♥ Cross ♥]: awesome!! <3
[♥ Cross ♥]: ok so i wanna meet up but i have work with featherweight today
[♥ Cross ♥]: howeverrrr he says you can come over and talk as long as you’re not too disruptive
[♥ Cross ♥]: i need his stuff to make us some winter clothes anyway
[Silk Ribbon]: …winter clothes?
[♥ Cross ♥]: duh, you think we’re going on an adventure in t shirts? it’s gonna be cold out there!
[♥ Cross ♥]: provided devo and roulette are in this as well, i’ll be getting ahold of them to figure out what they want as well…
[♥ Cross ♥]: gonna need some more heavy duty stuff than we’ve been working with…
 

Sheesh, she’s taking this seriously…

…better that than the alternative, I guess...

[♥ Cross ♥]: you could get directions to get over here from laurie’s office!
[Silk Ribbon]: is it a long walk?
[♥ Cross ♥]: nope, and it’s pretty safe, that whole pathway’s guarded with community watch members. otherwise i wouldn’t be making the walk over!
[Silk Ribbon]: well…guess i don’t have other plans, and i do wanna catch up and see you…
[♥ Cross ♥]: then it’s a date <3
[♥ Cross ♥]: bring your best coat ideas!
 

You close your phone with a sigh, albeit a content one.

Showering and getting yourself dressed up is mundane at this point, some of the gloss worn off of the routine after being here for a month. All the same, you can’t help but enjoy the process- there’s something about having the structure of it all that grounds you in your morning.

It’s good to have things to hold onto.

…the thought that you won’t have this on the road passes into your head as you’re putting on your boots, making you frown.

...I’ll find new habits out there.

And then I’ll come back home, and maybe then I’ll be able to get a like…real apartment here…yeah.

Yeah, this’ll work.

You double check to make sure you’ve got everything before heading out the door, wings in your pockets. Walking to Laurie’s office is a slow endeavor, the hallways seeming to twist and turn more than usual-

-but you do get there, a little bit of tinsel around the doorplate.

Minnie waves at you idly from her usual spot at the front desk, gesturing for you to come closer.

MINNIE: You got an appointment?
POLKA DOT: Uhh, nope-
MINNIE: He’s busy today.
POLKA DOT: …is there any way I could get directions to Featherweight’s?
MINNIE: Sure, I can pull that u-
 

Both of you jump a little as the door behind you opens and closes, followed by the sound of boots on tile and the click of a cane tapping the ground.

LAURIE: Are you headed that way, Silk Ribbon?
 

It’s been a bit since you’ve seen the club’s owner, and never fully out of his office before. The tiedyed bean bear stands taller than you’d expect, wearing a thick winter outfit and a faux fur coat, holding a cane in one hand for stability.

LAURIE: I was just on my way over to check in.
LAURIE: We were talking on the phone and I realized I have to see his new harness stock in person to fully get the impact.
LAURIE: If you’d like, I could take you there.

W-walking over with my boss?! I-

It’s more than a little intimidating, even with all Laurie’s done for you-

But his eyes are warm.

POLKA DOT: …I mean, we’re going to the same place, right?
LAURIE: My thoughts exactly!
LAURIE: Minnie, you hold down the fort for me, okay?
MINNIE: You got it.
 

You and Laurie step out into the outside world.

It’s cloudy today, not too bright- and thankfully, warmer than what you had to deal with last night.

Your boss starts to lead the way, albeit slowly.

LAURIE: …admittedly, coming with me means you’re going to be hindered a bit when it comes to getting there fast.
LAURIE: Got a bad leg.
LAURIE: But that just means we have more time to talk, don’t we?
 

His voice is chipper- he seems genuinely excited to talk to you.

…he also appears to be leaving the conversational ball in your court.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Reassure that the leg isn't a issue, get some small banter in.

[knux400]

"Don't worry about it! I like taking the time to see the scenery. And besides, I'm not sure it even matters how fast we walk. The narrative will get us there whenever."

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Eh, no worries.
POLKA DOT: Had a big walk last night anyway. I don’t mind taking it slow.
LAURIE: Oh?
 

The bear immediately turns to look at you as he walks, nearly bumping into a mailbox without much reaction. His eyes are twinkling- you’ve caught his interest.

LAURIE: Was it a party, by any chance?
POLKA DOT: E-eh?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, at, that, uh…Miasma guy’s house.
LAURIE: Ah, Miasma…
LAURIE: He’s a dear friend of mine. Further than that, really.
LAURIE: I considered going myself, but the Place had paperwork to be done, more than I could afford to put down.
LAURIE: The toys in charge of this city…they try every year to get me caught up in red tape. But I won’t have it!
LAURIE: They’re going to push extra hard once they find out that we’ve blacklisted one of their own, but…
 

He shakes his head.

LAURIE: That’s…I’m rambling on.
POLKA DOT: No, it’s-
POLKA DOT: Do they have to find out?
 

It gets a laugh out of Laurie, albeit a bitter one.

LAURIE: Well, I’m not stupid enough to send them a letter about it or anything.
LAURIE: …how much do you know about all that?
POLKA DOT: Vine told me that this, uh, Saddler guy- he preys on newbies. Didn’t go into too much detail, just that it gets violent.
LAURIE: Mmm…I’m still on the fence on whether even that much information going around is safe.
LAURIE: But…I’d rather there be roughly-accurate rumor spreading amongst our clientele and staff- especially the newbies- than everyone pretending that this scum of a man is safe to be around.
 

The ferocity in his voice makes you straighten out your posture on instinct, the bear catching your eye again and gesturing with his cane to something in the skyline.

LAURIE: Look over there.
 

Following where his mobility aid is pointing, you see-

A billboard, with a smiling face and the words “VOTE FOR SADDLER” in big, chunky letters. The more you look at it to try and discern details of his appearance, the more your head hurts. Even with the poor photo quality, you can make out a clay, canine face with a wicked grin made of sharp, pointed teeth- surrounded by slicked back faux fur.

POLKA DOT: What…is he?
LAURIE: He claims to be some kind of “art toy”. One of a kind, he says.
LAURIE: Gets on a whole high horse about it in his campaign ads. It’s enough to make you sick.
LAURIE: However…his distinct look also gives us an advantage, as well as the fact that he plasters his own mug on every surface he can find it.
LAURIE: If you ever see that face, you turn around and go the other direction- and tell someone in our network.
LAURIE: Especially if he’s near the Place or any associated businesses, residences, anything.
LAURIE: As long as he’s not actively attacking someone, you’re not to engage with him at all, you’re just to leave and get help.
 

His voice softens, but his gaze does not.

LAURIE: Can you do that for me, Silk Ribbon?
LAURIE: Can I trust you with that?