[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Look, man, you look like you got hit by a truck.
POLKA DOT: If it's complicated, we can sit and talk about it or something.
POLKA DOT: Hey Ortho!
TIMOTHY: H-hey, wait-
ORTHO: Yep? Need somethin'?
POLKA DOT: Can we like, officially take five? Think we need to huddle up and talk.
 

The synthesizer checks their watch.

ORTHO: Yep, I got time.
 

They blow their whistle.

ORTHO: Alright, people let's take five for a bit.
ORTHO: Come back when you're ready.
 

Devo looks just as startled for a moment, looking over at Roulette.

DEVO: Huh...a break might not be a bad idea.
DEVO: Might help you get your nerves out.
 

Roulette's lens is a little wider, though it says nothing as it makes its way through the arena net with the others.

Devo's the first to speak up once the party gets out into the hall, stretching his limbs in the process.

DEVO: That...was a hell of a round-
DEVO: Roulette, you kicked ass out there!
DEVO: I, uh...
DEVO: Had fun.
 

Tim doesn't speak up, lost in thought.

The robot had been making its way away from the group, stopped in its tracks.

ROULETTE: ...I appreciate it.
ROULETTE: You did well, too.
DEVO: I mean, better than I thought I'd do, hah...
TIMOTHY: I knew you'd do good, though.
 

Tim manages to snap out of his funk long enough to give Devo a pat on the back, the bear's eyes brightening up with pride.

POLKA DOT: Everybody managed to do a good job, I think-
TIMOTHY: I mean, I only got one hit.
TIMOTHY: And...Roulette pretty much gave me that.
 

He sounds a bit tense at that, even Devo noticing the immediate change in tone.

Roulette's fans spin faster.

ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...I was not trying to.
ROULETTE: I apologize if it...felt that way.
TIMOTHY: No, it's-
 

He sighs, rubbing the side of his snout.

TIMOTHY: I'm not accusing you, I-
TIMOTHY: ...I just wish I had done better. That I'm able to do better out in the field.
ROULETTE: My weapon has reach over yours, and the bridge made it difficult for you to approach me.
ROULETTE: It was not your fault remotely.
ROULETTE: I am sure you will have better luck next round.
POLKA DOT: Besides, uh...
POLKA DOT: Whole point of this is to get practice, right?
POLKA DOT: If you slip up here, it's safe.
TIMOTHY: But-!
TIMOTHY: I don't want to slip up period...
DEVO: Yeah, but....you can't just be perfect, either.
DEVO: ...I have similar worries and shit, but I guess that's why we're working as a team, right?
POLKA DOT: Yeah! That's how I see it!
TIMOTHY: ...I guess...
POLKA DOT: Cmon, man. It's gonna be fine.
TIMOTHY: Well I-
 

The door behind you opens up, a familiar toy's face peeking out.

CROSSBONE: Oh! Someone told me I could find you all here...
CROSSBONE: How'd training go?
 

Roulette abruptly swivels to face her.

ROULETTE: ...we-
ROULETTE: We are still in the middle of training.
ROULETTE: Would you like to participate and train with everyone?
CROSSBONE: Oh, uh-
CROSSBONE: Sure!
CROSSBONE: I'd be happy to get some group time in.
POLKA DOT: Hell yeah!
 

Without another word, Roulette leans in through the doors and has a very brief conversation with Ortho.

It soon pulls back out into the hall.

ROULETTE: Ortho will assign teams when you're all ready, then.
 

The robot starts making its way down the hall, still turned to face everyone.

ROULETTE: Good luck.
 

Devo snaps to attention, pulling away from Tim and following after it.

DEVO: H-hey, wait!
DEVO: Where are you going?
ROULETTE: Two-v-two training session.
ROULETTE: I offered Willow my spot.
ROULETTE: She deserves the chance, and I have some errands I can take care of, anyway.
ROULETTE: I am sure you will do well.
 

The bear's face falls.

DEVO: ...you sure?
DEVO: I-I mean, I have no issue with Cross subbing in, just-
ROULETTE: Very sure.
ROULETTE: It will be alright.
 

It catches the bear's expression.

ROULETTE: ...Sorry...if it is disappointing.
ROULETTE: ...You can let me know later, how you did.
 

You're hard-pressed to read the robot's expressions as per usual, having trouble deciphering the look on its face.

ROULETTE: Be safe.
 

With that, it makes its way down the hall and out of view.

Devo watches it go, Tim catching up to him and placing his paw on the bear's back. Devo shakes it off after a moment, trying to give his partner a reassuring look.

DEVO: I'm good.
DEVO: It just needs space right now, I think.
DEVO: We've...still got stuff to figure out here.
DEVO: Show must go on or something, right?
 

You aren't really sure what to say, Cross sidling over and whispering low enough for just you to hear.

CROSSBONE: ...did I mess up?