[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

Her words sink in, everything still swirling around your head…there’s so much to think about, but two things stand out to you in the moment.

One, is that she wants to be friends with you, something feeling so profound about that. It’s not the first time she’s said it, or the second, but right now, after you’ve shared such a tender moment together…after seeing you so vulnerable...

That feeling you got earlier, with that hug…it comes back in full force, and before you can stop yourself, you have Cross in another tight hug, the ghost returning it with plenty of enthusiasm.

POLKA DOT: I really want to share this with you, too…
POLKA DOT: I…for whatever reason, it feels like I need this.
POLKA DOT: I need time like this.
CROSSBONE: I’ll give you all the time you want!
CROSSBONE: Well, as much as I can give with work, anyway.
CROSSBONE: But…I want to feel safe with you, and help you feel safe with me.
 

The other thing on your mind comes up again- it’s…hard to make a call on, but…

What if you told Cross your name?

Like, your real name?

You mean, she told you hers. It’d be fair to return the favor- but…what if things go weird and bad? What if the narrative decides that that’s enough to make your past come back to haunt you?

What if talking about the past brings it all crashing down on top of you- and Cross as well?

You lean back and get one look at her gentle, serene face, and cave.

Fuck it.

I want her to trust me.

And…she’s my friend. I can allow this.

POLKA DOT: About that…
CROSSBONE: Oh?
CROSSBONE: Is everything okay?
POLKA DOT: Yeah! Yeah, everything’s good, just…
POLKA DOT: You trusted me enough to tell me your name, earlier.
POLKA DOT: I want to return the favor.
CROSSBONE: Oh!
 

Her eyes quite literally light up, glowing a bit brighter at that.

CROSSBONE: If you’re sure!
CROSSBONE: You’re not obligated to, it’s okay, just-
POLKA DOT: Shhh. It’s fine, Cross.
POLKA DOT: My name’s, uh…
POLKA DOT: Polka Dot.

It seems almost silly coming out of your mouth- why did you have to pick an alias that’s so much cooler?!

But…

She smiles with her eyes again as you say it, taking it in.

CROSSBONE: That’s…
CROSSBONE: So cute!
CROSSBONE: It works so well, especially with your spots…
CROSSBONE: Do you prefer Polka, or Dot?
CROSSBONE: Or, uh, PD?
POLKA DOT: Any of those work, I’m not picky.
CROSSBONE: Okay…Polka it is.
CROSSBONE: Just when we’re in private though, right?
POLKA DOT: Mhm…
CROSSBONE: Our little secrets, then.
CROSSBONE: I like it…
 

Cross rests her head on your shoulder, and you instinctively move your wing to pet the top of her head- enjoying the feeling of her flame-hair in your wingtips.

CROSSBONE: That’s nice, too…
POLKA DOT: You’re nice.
CROSSBONE: No, you!
POLKA DOT: No, I’m evil.
CROSSBONE: No, you’re not!
POLKA DOT: Watch, I’ll prove it.

You move in to rapidly nuzzle your beak against her neck, getting the giggle fit out of her you’ve come to love, even in such a short time.

CROSSBONE: Oh no, I’ve been captured by a diabolical duck!
POLKA DOT: And I’m not gonna let you go until I’ve gotten alllll the giggles out.
CROSSBONE: Noooo! I’ll never stop, though!
POLKA DOT: Mine forever, then!
 

You’re not sure when the nuzzling turns to kisses, and the kisses turn to holding each other so close, but it’s cozy, and you can’t get enough of it.

 

When everything settles into silence, though, your mind can’t help but wander.

CROSSBONE: …hey.
CROSSBONE: Everything okay?
POLKA DOT: Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.
CROSSBONE: You just…look like you have something on your mind.
CROSSBONE: You can talk to me.