[TOY] Plaything

[King-Clod]

Shrug.
Yeah, I'm down to talk any time we're stuck third wheeling for the those two over there. Might as well, y'know? ...I'll try to have more to talk about next time besides all the weirdness going on currently though.

I think that should be enough conversation before we get to Laurie's, but if the narrative drags on longer, maybe we can ask Roulette what it got at the thrift store, if anything? What sort of look does it try to go for?

[skinstealer]

You shrug.

POLKA DOT: Yeah, I’m good for talking any time we’re third wheeling it up.
POLKA DOT: Might as well, right?
POLKA DOT: …I’ll try to have more to talk about besides all that weirdness, though.
ROULETTE: Alright.
ROULETTE: And, that is fine. I have no idea what to talk about, either.
ROULETTE: I am not very good at this sort of thing.
POLKA DOT: Well...
 

You gesture to its bags.

POLKA DOT: We could talk about our shopping adventures.
POLKA DOT: What'd you get?
ROULETTE: ...Nothing exciting.
ROULETTE: Weapons for myself and Devo, and then... tried to find some new clothes.
ROULETTE: The others may not be working as I wanted them to.
POLKA DOT: Oh yeah?
POLKA DOT: What kind of style are you going for?
ROULETTE: ...It... isn't exactly like that.
 

The robot sighs, idly rifling around in one of the bags, drawing your eye down to it.

It seems to contain nothing but very... plain clothes; black, brown and grey hoodies, jeans and sweatpants.

ROULETTE: The business suit was meant to make me look akin to someone only here to service guests.
ROULETTE: I did not want to look... 'available,' or stand out in any sort of...
 

It cocks its head back and forth, swirling a metallic claw as it searches for words.

ROULETTE: ...attractive...
 

Roulette speaks the word quietly, as if it was taboo.

ROULETTE: ...way.
ROULETTE: But, that plan has backfired.
ROULETTE: Those previous guests seemed to find it...
 

The bot's face and lens wrinkles slightly, metal bending in a way it shouldn't to add an extra layer of expressiveness.

ROULETTE: ...'cute.'
ROULETTE: I do not understand why, and I do not want a repeat of that incident.
ROULETTE: So, as much as I may have enjoyed those clothes, a switch is necessary.
ROULETTE: Something more average may do the trick, so I purchased several outfits with that in mind.
ROULETTE: Anything to avoid standing out. 
ROULETTE: I told you before:  I cannot afford to rock the boat here.
ROULETTE: ...All I can do is hope it works this time.
 

You can see Laurie's pop up in the distance. If you want to say something, you should do it now.

[MarxzVulpez]

I'm very genuinely sorry that you've had something you enjoyed ruined for you. If you're looking for something that would be low key and out of the way of the more uhh 'main' attractions of the place would you like us to try and help you find something? we've been working in the kitchen for instance and you don't directly interact with anyone, you make the food and someone else takes it out.

[King-Clod]

It...wasn't your fault. Like, I understand wanting to be careful, really, but.
Bad people will be bad no matter what you do.

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: I’m sorry somebody ruined something like that for you, seriously.
POLKA DOT: But…it’s not your fault.
POLKA DOT: They probably would have been awful even if you weren’t wearing that outfit. They’d find a reason and just…that’s why they gotta get kicked out.
POLKA DOT: If it wasn’t you, it’d be someone else. They’re just terrible people.
 

The bot looks about ready to bolt ahead when you speak up,

pulling back into the conversation with you.

ROULETTE: I... don't want to make assumptions about the morality of others based on a single incident.
ROULETTE: What happened was simply... unfortunate, nothing more, and... it-
 

It shakes its head, cutting off the thought.

ROULETTE: ...being honest:  The less I think about it, the better.
POLKA DOT: I...get you there, yeah.
POLKA DOT: Sorry.
 

You think to yourself for a few quiet moments.

POLKA DOT: If you're looking for something that would be low key and out of the way of the more uhh....'main' attractions of the place, you want me to try and help you find something?
POLKA DOT: I've been working in the kitchen for instance and you don't directly interact with anyone, you make the food and someone else takes it out.
ROULETTE: Already tried kitchen work here.
ROULETTE: Disaster.
ROULETTE: I do not believe I should be allowed within ten feet of a kitchen anymore.
 

It glances down at the pavement, keeping its voice quieter.

ROULETTE: ...Or Vine, for that matter. I feel I should trouble her as little as possible after last time.
 

The bot sighs.

ROULETTE: ...Working in the kitchen was what I attempted first.
ROULETTE: When that didn't work out, I tried to serve rooms, and-
ROULETTE: Well, you witnessed how that turned out.
ROULETTE: . . .
ROULETTE: ...I... think... 
ROULETTE: ...I am running out of options here.
 

Roulette straightens up as the group approaches Laurie's.

ROULETTE: Ultimately this isn't your issue, and nothing you should worry about.
ROULETTE: I apologize for bending your ear for so long. I appreciate you listening.
 

The bot awkwardly makes its way back over to Devo once everyone gathers inside, not really giving you time to respond. 

Vine and Tim shuffle over, thankfully giving you a break from your own now-restless thoughts.

VINE: Okay…we should probably get your phone all set up.
TIMOTHY: Kind of wish I got one now…
VINE: Another time, Tim.
VINE: …how’d things go over there, though? I thought you were all done talking to Roulette. 
TIMOTHY: Wait, you talked to Roulette? Was that while I was over with Devo in the store?
TIMOTHY: What’s up?

[King-Clod]

It's not really mine to share, I think. Sorry.
What sort of stuff can my phone do now?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: …It’s not really mine to share, I think.
POLKA DOT: Sorry.
TIMOTHY: That’s okay!
TIMOTHY: If it’s private to someone, you’re doing good by keeping it that way.
VINE: Agreed with Tim, I just want to make sure you’re hanging in there.
POLKA DOT: Yeah, I’ll be good…
 

You rustle through your bag and pull out the phone, which got loosely boxed up with what looks like an instruction manual.

POLKA DOT: What kinda stuff can this thing do?
VINE: Let’s take a seat and find out.
 

The three of you sit down at a bar booth, getting comfortable as you take the phone out of its box. 

VINE: Hand me the manual.
 

You do so, and your friendly mentor starts nodding as she looks it over.

VINE: Newer model than mine, anyhow. Nice.
VINE: So, with a lot of plastic “electronics”- this model of phone included- you’re going to have to “activate” them first.
VINE: It’s not universal, so always check a manual 
VINE: See how the screen sticker’s black and dull?
 

You check, and sure enough, the screen’s a plain, matte black.

VINE: It’ll look like this when it’s off too, but it’ll have a shine to it.
VINE: I’m guessing it got…wiped or whatever it is, when it got pawned off.
VINE: No more traces of ownership.
POLKA DOT: Okay, so…how’s this work?
VINE: Hard to explain, but…hold it in your hands.
 

You do so.

POLKA DOT: And?
VINE: Press the on button…with feeling.
POLKA DOT: …feeling.
VINE: Yes, with feeling!
VINE: It is your phone, after all. 
VINE: Consider it sort of a reset button.
VINE: Other people will be able to use it if you let them, but if someone you don’t know tries to make a call, they won’t.
POLKA DOT: Huh. Neat.
VINE: So, press the button with feeling. It’ll turn on and be fresh and new.
 

You go ahead and press the button, and the sticker screen changes color, turning bright blue with a sunshine-y logo. It even makes a little chime.

POLKA DOT: And…it’s mine now?
VINE: It’ll only shine for you or the people you allow.
POLKA DOT: How can I allow people to use it?
VINE: You just kind of carry it in your mind. Hard to explain.
VINE: It’s all “pretend”, after all, playing into the narrative.
VINE: Your phone will know whether it’s in the right hands.
VINE: Any questions before we do some customization?

[Lilium Mortem]

does this apply to other stuff? like If I soul bonded a knife or whatever, it would only cut for me?

[King-Clod]

What happens if I forget someone who used to have access, or forget they have access? Will that person still have access?

[knux400]

Do I have to consciously grant someone permission every time they use it, or is it more like... toggling it on and off? I can take permission away again if I need to, right?

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: What about other stuff?
POLKA DOT: Like if I…soul bonded my hammer or whatever, it’d only hurt when I used it?
VINE: I’ve heard of things like that happening, but…it’s rare.
VINE: Whatever justifies this whole “bond” as you call it happening, it seems to work for some things better than others.
VINE: You can’t just make a book unreadable to other people. You can’t make food inedible.
VINE: …works on phones and computers, though. Don’t ask me why those specifically, I don’t know.
POLKA DOT: What if I forget somebody who used to have access, or forget that they have access?
POLKA DOT: Will they be able to get into my phone?
VINE: Hm. Not sure.
VINE: Might be best to keep your list small just in case. That’s what I do.
POLKA DOT: Okay, and…do I have to like, consciously grant someone permission every time they use it?
VINE: Not really. Just know who you want to be able to and it works.
VINE: Again, I recommend having a very short list. Emergency contacts.
POLKA DOT: I can take permission away again if I need to, right?
VINE: Yeah. It’s not permanent, just as flexible as you need it to be.
VINE: …no idea what would happen if you flip back and forth, though. Best not to mess with it.
VINE: That all?
POLKA DOT: For now, yeah.
VINE: Okay, good. So…some fun stuff now.
VINE: You can go here-
 

She pokes at a page in the manual, displaying some menu options.

VINE: -to customize it a bit. 
VINE: Please pick a different ringtone than the default or you’ll end up startling half of the people in the bar when you get a call.
 

You can now pick a background and ringtone for your phone. Anything will do.

[Lilium Mortem]

ringtone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq3abPnEEGE
Backround: a bunch of little tiled ghost/monster sprites

[King-Clod]

Ringtone: 8-Bit Toxic (Britney Spears)
Background: Simple geometric shapes and patterns, maybe an animated wallpaper? Like little circles and triangles that bounce around the screen (slowly, as to not be too distracting)

[MarxzVulpez]

background: One like the bouncing dvd logo, but instead of the dvd logo it's an earth rubber duck (yes it can land in the corner)

[skinstealer]

After sifting through the background options, you settle on a tiled background with a variety of monster and ghost sprites- it’s cute, and admittedly reminds you of Willow…

Tim seems to notice the blush on your face, but you’re relieved to see that he doesn’t say anything, just gives you a knowing, supportive look. 

As for a ringtone…you go through each one, immediately having to turn down the volume with a little help from Vine. A couple of them stand out to you, but you eventually come back to one with a poppy vibe, something kind of fresh about it.

VINE: There you go.
VINE: Your very own phone.
VINE: How’s it feel?
POLKA DOT: Great! 
VINE: Let me put my number in…
 

You hand it over, making sure to mentally allow Vine to use it- that’s gonna take some time to get used to. 

VINE: There. I’d recommend getting Tim’s as well when he gets one.
TIMOTHY: Yeah! I’d love to be able to talk to you when we’re off work!
VINE: So…you’ve got the rest of the day to yourself. It’s only the afternoon.
VINE: How’re you feeling?
 

Options swirl your mind, and you consider all of the infinite potential of the day-

…but honestly, you’re really tired. You had that fucked up nightmare and you’re exhausted after the whole Roulette debacle, let alone all the walking around you did.

POLKA DOT: Think I’ll just head back to my room…
TIMOTHY: Okay! I’ve got some stuff to do around the club, so I can’t walk you back…
POLKA DOT: It’s cool, I got it.
POLKA DOT: Thanks for today. Both of you.
VINE: Any time. You coming in tomorrow?
POLKA DOT: Actually, I’ve got a party tomorrow-
VINE: Oh yeah, there’s one happening around 4, isn’t there?
VINE: Those can go pretty late, but I hear they’re pretty casual too. You should probably take the day off and take it easy.
TIMOTHY: Oh! Maybe you could come by the cafe and we could look through stuff, like we planned earlier!
POLKA DOT: Sure, easy enough…
 

You get up from the booth, stretching out and grabbing your stuff.

VINE: Best of luck, Ribbon.
POLKA DOT: You too.
 

The walk back to your room feels strangely lonely after you’ve been around people all day…but there is a sense of weight leaving your body as you close the door behind you and kick off your boots.

There’s a pile of books on your nightstand, all the spoils you’ve picked up over the past few days waiting for you.

You have things to read.

[Lilium Mortem]

you need to relax, pick up that novel and snuggle up in bed.

[Pichi2214]

good time to put on that comfy dress that you got for chilling/sleeping and relax

[King-Clod]

The party's tomorrow, right? Let's read a bit of our informational books we got. While I'd love to read the romance...that can always be for another night.

How about we skim through the wind-up book and the virtual pet book?

[skinstealer]

You take off your clothes and fish through your shopping spoils to pick up your new comfy dress, letting the soft fabric drape over you. Hopping into bed like this is amazing, and you even dare to get under the covers. Luxury.

So many books to choose from…you settle on the virtual pet guide with the tiniest bit of nerves- but you were going to meet Willow tomorrow, and it’d be good to figure out some things. Just… a little peek.

There’s an introduction.

Electronic/virtual pets are a species with many models and variants, with plenty to discover and learn about them! Within these pages you will find info on Clipchains, Stickbugs, Aqua Dancers, and more! You can purchase our companion pieces, “The Complete Guide To Robotic Pets!” and “The Complete Guide To Pet Games!” at most book stores- this will be mainly focused on variants with an outer “shell” body and an internal “pet” body, as well as projection abilities. 

Huh. Easy enough.

On to the table of contents…

-Anatomy
-Health Conditions
-Projections
-Models + Variants
-Fashion and Accessories

Even if you’re just skimming, you’ll need a place to start.

[Pichi2214]

I'm curious about projections, they seem to be more personal and important in a way, so i'd like to know more about them and learn if there is anything that we should know to treat that respectfully ...not that it's gonna come up anytime soon most likely, but! still!

also obviously fashion sounds interesting