[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

You start looking through, passing up slime after slime…and then you’re stuck between two options. 

A blue and white slime labeled “CLOUD + CLEAR”, topped with some glitter- it’d probably look really good swirled, and it’s simple enough that it wouldn’t be going to waste in a dumpling. 

And…a red and white slime with a similar texture, but labelled “GLOSSY + CLEAR” instead. This one has snowflake charms, and you figure you may as well go for festive again.

You bring the jars back one at a time, straining to carry them even with both arms. Vine watches with an approving nod.

VINE: Couldn’t pick just one?
POLKA DOT: Nope…
VINE: Just means we’ll have two specials with the same recipe, it’ll be efficient and give guests some variety. It’ll be good.
VINE: Cmon, I’ll get you set up.
 

She takes you over and starts walking you through the steps, rolling out the dough, getting just the right amount of slime, folding it all together…and when you finally get to try it after fumbling with the first two attempts, you’re delighted to find out that it’s good. The blue and white one tastes more sweet, and the red and white savory, with a bit of spice. Vine seems pretty impressed too, giving you a pat of reassurance.

VINE: You did that. You.
VINE: Take pride in it.
POLKA DOT: Thanks, Vine…
VINE: You really do like the creative stuff, don’t you?
POLKA DOT: I mean…I don’t draw, or anything like that-
VINE: Cooking’s creative too, so’s fashion.
VINE: You’re still an artist, even if you’re not picking up a pencil.
 

Something about that makes you feel a bit of pride, warm feelings welling up in your chest.

POLKA DOT: Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.
VINE: That’s the spirit.
VINE: Looks like people are starting to file in, let’s start taking orders and get those specials out.
POLKA DOT: You got it.
 

The lunch rush is way harder than you expected it to be, right from the getgo- there are a lot of people, toys of all shapes and sizes…and now that you’re actually here and taking time to get used to things, you’re noticing just how busy the kitchen is, and how crowded it gets. You can barely keep track of things, but you’re pushing out orders and making things happen, and it feels good.

 

You barely register it when Vine pokes you on the shoulder. 

VINE: Lull in the action and I’ve got someone who can sub in for you, let’s take a quick break. Ten minutes tops.
 

You only just now realize how tired you are.

POLKA DOT: Sounds good.
 

The back room has some other people in it today- a toy with a spirograph for a face, and an absolutely massive horse plush. The latter is talking loudly, but quiets when Vine enters the room.

???? (1): And I just can’t believe he’s pulling this shit-
???? (1): …Vine.
VINE: Cindi.
CINDI: There’s the new star of the kitchen, too.
CINDI: People keep saying the specials are great, you know.
CINDI: The red ones, though…had a few comments that they’re a bit too flavorful.
CINDI: You put charms in those?
POLKA DOT: …yeah, why?
CINDI: Save ‘em for sprinklings or as part of a sauce on top of something else.
CINDI: They get a bit overwhelming sometimes.
 

While you’re processing the critique, you notice that the spirograph isn’t saying anything, simply fidgeting in xer chair.