[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

...this is a lot.
I need a second.

You head to the side and lean against the wall of the tent, trying to get your thoughts in order.

So much is happening, but- we can't give up here.
Fatale's willing to cooperate, and Tim's going to do his best there. I can't be too preoccupied with their drama.
...worried about Roulette. Not sure what's up with it right now.
But...I really should check on Cross....
....
I hope everyone's going to be okay. Fuck.

You close your eyes and try to think back to happy, calming thoughts. Cooking. Holding Cross. Hanging out with Tim. Those weird horny dreams, even.

It's gonna be okay.

With new conviction, you head for your portion of the tent.

I could do something to help. Maybe take inventory-

Cross is already there, sorting through her stuff- and yours, by the look of it.

POLKA DOT: ...Hey.
CROSSBONE: O-oh! Hi.
CROSSBONE: I'm just-
 

Your girlfriend gestures to the mess of stuff around her.

CROSSBONE: Organizing.
 

...she's on top of it already, I guess.

CROSSBONE: ...it helps me think.
POLKA DOT: Lot to think about, huh?
CROSSBONE: No kidding...
 

She sighs, a soft humming sound.

CROSSBONE: I'm starting to feel doubts, but...
CROSSBONE: ...Fatale is right in that I should commit.
CROSSBONE: For some reason, hearing it from a relative stranger helps a lot...
CROSSBONE: ...
CROSSBONE: Feels like we're all going to have something uncovered by the end of this, though.
POLKA DOT: ...yeah.
CROSSBONE: ....
 

The atmosphere is awkward, the two of you unsure of what to say as Cross moves items from one pile to another. You're not even sure what kind of sorting she's doing, but...if it helps, you guess it's fine.

CROSSBONE: I've got your stuff covered. It'll be packed up when I'm done.
CROSSBONE: I think I...need some space to think things over.
POLKA DOT: ...I getcha.
POLKA DOT: Can I at least give you a kiss before I go bug somebody else?
 

She nods, and you lean over to give her an exaggerated peck on the forehead. Her little giggles come out and make your  chest tighten, and you feel just the slightest bit better.

POLKA DOT: Love you.
CROSSBONE: Love you too...
POLKA DOT: I'll go check on Roulette, then. Bring my stuff out when you're done?
CROSSBONE: Can do!
 

You sneak in one more kiss, and head out of the tent.

Roulette surprises you as you come out;
standing guard rigidly, in the same position it'd been doing so before.

Only this time, snow is accumulating along its shoulders and atop its hat.

You look up to find the snow lazily drifting down,
adding to the piles on the ground.

ROULETTE: Are we leaving now?
 

It doesn't move an inch from its spot.

POLKA DOT: Soon.
POLKA DOT: People're packing up.
POLKA DOT: ...
 

You tilt your head at its current situation.

POLKA DOT: You, uh-
POLKA DOT: You've got some snow there.
ROULETTE: Yes.
POLKA DOT: ...yep.
POLKA DOT: It's not, uh, too cold, right?
POLKA DOT: I know Willow gets kinda sluggish if it's chilly out...
ROULETTE: You do not need to worry about me.
ROULETTE: Did you need anything?
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...I should focus on taking watch until we leave.
ROULETTE: I do not want to miss any threats, as with last time.
POLKA DOT: I mean-
POLKA DOT: I can watch, too.
POLKA DOT: Just wanna talk to somebody before we head out.
ROULETTE: . . .
 

It shuffles on the spot, fans slowing down to a whisper.

ROULETTE: I have never been good at conversation.
ROULETTE: I do not think I would be good company for that purpose.
POLKA DOT: I mean, I like talking to you.
POLKA DOT: You really helped with Fatale earlier. All of the, like, background info.
POLKA DOT: Helped me understand her.
POLKA DOT: ...
POLKA DOT: Feels like you'd have good thoughts about how today's gonna go.
ROULETTE:    .   .   .
ROULETTE: I am
ROULETTE: glad
ROULETTE: that it. Helped.
 

You hear the bot's fan hitching, as if it were getting caught on something,
suddenly kicking up in speed, but getting stuck intermittently in the process.

ROULETTE: Today would
ROULETTE: Today
ROULETTE: T
ROULETTE: ...I am
ROULETTE: Sure.
ROULETTE: Sure that t
ROULETTE: I was thinking that- Today.
ROULETTE: ...It's snowing.
ROULETTE: M
ROULETTE: aybe Cross s
ROULETTE: We
 

It reaches up, smacking the top of its head with a closed fist.
Its fans stop hitching.

ROULETTE: ...Apologies.
ROULETTE: We should keep an extra blanket or two out of our packs, in case Cross or anyone else gets too cold.
ROULETTE: Since you mentioned. That she can become sluggish in cold.
ROULETTE: I hope that is helpful.
 

You wince as it smacks itself, unable to keep from flinching a little.

POLKA DOT: S-sure. We can do that.
POLKA DOT: Good to, uh-
POLKA DOT: Take measures.
POLKA DOT: Yeah.
 

It notices the flinch, glancing over.

ROULETTE: Apologies.
ROULETTE: I am not well-put-together.
ROULETTE: Sometimes I need a knock to function properly.
ROULETTE: I did not mean to scare you.
POLKA DOT: No, it's-
POLKA DOT: I get it. Yeah.
POLKA DOT: Does it, uh- help?
ROULETTE: Sometimes it helps.
ROULETTE: It is really the only thing to try.
ROULETTE: As I said, I apologize for the scare.
ROULETTE: I am sure it can look visceral, but sometimes it's necessary to remain as functionally-adequate as I can.
ROULETTE: It is nothing to worry about.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: Was there anything else you needed help with?
POLKA DOT: I-
 

Someone unzips the tent behind you and steps out- Tim and Fatale, all geared up.

FATALE: ...were we interrupting something?
TIMOTHY: Willow said she's just about ready to go.
ROULETTE: You are not interrupting anything.
ROULETTE: Silk Ribbon was asking about our journey today.
ROULETTE: Maybe you could speak with her about your opinions on that.
ROULETTE: ...Either of you. Whoever would like to. Or both.
ROULETTE: I am sure both of your input would be valuable.
 

It steps towards the tent entrance.

ROULETTE: I will make sure we are not leaving anything behind.
TIMOTHY: Oh, uh-
TIMOTHY: S...sure!
FATALE: Mm.
 

The bot disappears into the tent.

You're left with the two bean plushes, Tim shuffling around a bit.

TIMOTHY: Well, it's-
TIMOTHY: It's snowing!
FATALE: It's winter. It does that.
TIMOTHY: Yeah, but-
TIMOTHY: Technically, it's my first one out of the Store.
TIMOTHY: First one period, I guess.
FATALE: ...
 

She looks away.

FATALE: You get used to it.
TIMOTHY: ...
 

Tim gives her a strained look, almost as if he wants to say something out of concern-

-before turning to you.

TIMOTHY: I...today has been a lot so far, but I'm trying to get my head on straight.
TIMOTHY: Lot to think about, but-
TIMOTHY: It....we're on this adventure to help Willow.
TIMOTHY: Me and Fatale did talk about that, a bit.
FATALE: ...We reinforced our truce. Came up with some additional conditions.
FATALE: Simply put, I won't get in his way if he doesn't get in mine.
FATALE: In exchange for him behaving around me and not getting touchy, I'll put in a good word in our- us bears, I mean- next shared dream.
FATALE: With Scout, at minimum.
FATALE: ...I'm sure Scout'll be pleased to know there's some interest in him.

She doesn't sound thrilled about this, but Tim can't help but blush a little.

FATALE: If I'm going to be along for the ride for helping Willow, I may as well make it easier on myself- at least for now.
FATALE: We'll see how it goes.
 

Cross steps out before the two can continue, Roulette in tow.

CROSSBONE: Everybody ready to take the tent down?
TIMOTHY: Let's get it done.
 

The tent is packed up and stuffed into Fatale's pack, the map consulted and the walk resumed. The snow isn't too bad, just a light powder- but it does keep tickling your beak.

You're walking with Cross when she leans over.

CROSSBONE: ...look at how we're walking right now.
 

You glance over your shoulder, taking a mental note.

You and Cross are up front, leading the pack. Tim and Fatale are next to each other but a good few feet apart, clearly awkward. Roulette is way, way in back, also saying nothing.

CROSSBONE: I wanna swap places with Tim. He probably needs you right now...
CROSSBONE: And...maybe Fatale needs a buddy, too.
POLKA DOT: You good with that?
CROSSBONE: Mhm...
CROSSBONE: You're always saying I need to work on being more...spontaneous.
CROSSBONE: Is that okay?
POLKA DOT: Sure thing. Shuffle Tim on up here.

Cross nods, backing up a bit and bumping shoulders with Tim. You can't make out what's said, but Tim swaps places with her, running up to meet you.

TIMOTHY: H-hey!
TIMOTHY: Looks like I, uh, got a get out of jail free card, huh?
POLKA DOT: Looks like it.
POLKA DOT: ...Fatale's not that bad, though.
TIMOTHY: I know, I know-
TIMOTHY: But it sure is awkward.
TIMOTHY: It's...I mean, how do you even process this kind of thing?
TIMOTHY: My boyfriend is four people? When the other three aren't him, too?
TIMOTHY: It's making my head spin, but it makes too much sense...
 

He buries his nose in his scarf.

TIMOTHY: I...just hope I don't fuck it up.
TIMOTHY: And I hope Devo's gonna be okay when he comes back.
TIMOTHY: I can't imagine this is going to be easy on him, considering just-
TIMOTHY: I dunno. He doesn't even remember the rest of them.
TIMOTHY: No idea what I'd do in those shoes.
POLKA DOT: Me neither.
POLKA DOT: But, he's like- he's got a good head on his shoulders.
POLKA DOT: It'll work out.
 

Your friend gives you a grateful look.

TIMOTHY: I sure hope so.
CROSSBONE: Hey!
FATALE: ...hello.

Fatale's voice is quiet, contemplative.

FATALE: Come to see the new party member?
CROSSBONE: A little bit...
CROSSBONE: I really...appreciate what you said back in the group meeting.
CROSSBONE: About me needing to have conviction.
CROSSBONE: It helped ease my doubts, a little bit.
FATALE: ...really?
FATALE: I feel like most people would have thought I was being a huge bitch.
 

Cross can't help but giggle, more out of being surprised than anything.

CROSSBONE: No, no, it's-
CROSSBONE: I think it's refreshing when people speak their mind.
FATALE: Must be why you ended up with Silk Ribbon, then.
 

Cross' pixel character blushes.

CROSSBONE: Heh, yeah...
CROSSBONE: But I like it in friendships too.
FATALE: Friendships...
FATALE: We'll see how I do, with that.
CROSSBONE: I guess your situation isn't exactly...conducive, towards meeting people.
FATALE: Oh, I knew plenty of people.
FATALE: The most glamorous plushes you've ever seen. Some of the best people in the world.
FATALE: ....
 

She looks at the ground, not slowing down her pace.

FATALE: ...no one left over now, though.
CROSSBONE: ....
 

The virtual pet is quiet, not sure how much to press.

Thankfully, Fatale presses on.

FATALE: ...they'll be fine without us. And I highly doubt any of them knew me as me.
FATALE: Just Devo as a unit.
FATALE: Perhaps now that I'm out and about once again, it'll be time for me to make new bonds. Meet more people.
FATALE: Forge a life for myself, or something.
CROSSBONE: Yeah!
CROSSBONE: You'll have plenty of opportunities to do it at Laurie's!
FATALE: ...making things work with Roulette again would be nice, as well.
FATALE: I can only hope I didn't burn that bridge.
CROSSBONE: I don't think it's as bad as you're worried about...
CROSSBONE: And...we'll work on getting Devo up to speed.
CROSSBONE: I'm sure we can get him to remember you.
FATALE: ...you're very sweet, Willow.
 

Her tone is soft.

FATALE: I'm glad that I said what I did, earlier.
FATALE: Don't make that faith misplaced.
 

The character on Cross' face smiles.

CROSSBONE: I won't.
 

The five of you seem to press on for what feels like hours, chatting here and there-

Tim sees it first, taking a step back and making Cross bump into him.

CROSSBONE: Oof-
CROSSBONE: W-what is-
 

She lets out a sharp beep, pointing above the treeline.

You turn your head.


[image description: a figure towering over the treeline, made of abstract shapes and segmented parts. it has 5 sparkle-shaped eyes and is vaguely bipedal, as well as being hoisted up by puppet strings leading to nowhere.]


There's an impossibly large figure in the distance- from the look of the fog, way off. Nowhere near you.

But even so, your chest tightens. It's bipedal, probably, and lumbering at what looks like a snail's pace from so far away. Its body teeters and totters, and you see these massive strings hooked into its joints- extending upwards into nothing. You can't make out its features too well through the fine snow and the distance, but you can see large eye holes carved into its beak-like face, looking like nothing you've ever seen before.

No one says a word, the faraway beast lumbering on its own path, separate from yours.


Roulette pulls out its scythe, stepping briefly in front of the rest of you, remaining quiet.
Its lens is wider than you've ever seen it.

Everyone else is frozen in place.



After what seems like an eternity, it's passed by your frame of view. No interaction with you, no recognition- it had to have been miles away.


When the beast is finally gone, Roulette gradually puts its scythe away.
It says nothing as it returns to the back of the group.

The snow has picked up. A little more prominent now. It's calming, seeing the glinting white flakes falling in the air as you walk.

It's a while before anyone moves or speaks.

Tim's the first to.

TIMOTHY: ....
TIMOTHY: ...crazy shit, out here.
CROSSBONE: No kidding...
CROSSBONE: ...I hope it had a nice trip, going where it's going.
FATALE: You like that thing?
CROSSBONE: It wasn't hurting anybody...
CROSSBONE: Just going on its way.
FATALE: ...guess so.
TIMOTHY: Well!
TIMOTHY: Now that we're just walking again, maybe we could- we could play a game, or something!
CROSSBONE: Oh!
POLKA DOT: What kind of game-
CROSSBONE: I'd be happy for anything to talk about!
TIMOTHY: Maybe...a question game.
TIMOTHY: We take turns asking people questions.
TIMOTHY: Like, I ask Willow a question, and then she answers, and picks someone else to ask.
POLKA DOT: Huh...easy enough.
POLKA DOT: A kind of...getting to know you game.
TIMOTHY: Mhm!
FATALE: ...sure, why not.

Tim glances back at Roulette-

It's looking off into the trees, where the giant creature had been before.

-his ears drooping when he doesn't notice a response.

TIMOTHY: W...well...okay.
TIMOTHY: Willow! You first.
CROSSBONE: O-okay!
TIMOTHY: ...what kind of monster are you hoping to become?
 

She lets out an excited string of beeps.

CROSSBONE: Oh, I hope it's like my dreams.
CROSSBONE: In my dreams, I have a skull head, and flames....
CROSSBONE: And huge claws!
CROSSBONE: It's a very wolf-y look, and I love it a lot...
CROSSBONE: I'd give anything to look like that, even a little bit.
FATALE: Hmph. I understand, somewhat.
CROSSBONE: ...Oh?
FATALE: In our dreams, I have a much more curvy figure, and a lovely devil's tail.
FATALE: There's nothing wrong with how we look in reality, per se, but I'd much rather look like that.
POLKA DOT: ...what if you, like....
POLKA DOT: Got a detachable tail, or something?
POLKA DOT: That's a thing, right?
 

Fatale thinks to herself for a moment.

FATALE: Potentially. I wouldn't mind....
FATALE: Though it'd be expensive.
FATALE: I'd like to be able to earn my keep, first.
 

You nod.

Cross pauses before turning to you, a sly expression on her pixel character's face.

CROSSBONE: I pick you, Ribbon.
POLKA DOT: Oh boy, I'm in for it now.
POLKA DOT: Do your worst.
CROSSBONE: What's the spookiest thing you can think of that you still think is really cool?