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***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-15-2023, 05:45 PM

Think we're both going to have to find that out together really.

***skinstealer*** · 04-15-2023, 09:34 PM

POLKA DOT: …still figuring a lot of that out, honestly.
POLKA DOT: Something me and Willow are gonna have to figure out together.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Very sweet….
FEATHERWEIGHT: Surely there must be some kind of origin story, though!
FEATHERWEIGHT: You’re taking so well to the embroidery.
POLKA DOT: I-I mean…
POLKA DOT: When I first got to Laurie’s, I saw Willow in a show.
POLKA DOT: Kinda captured my heart right away- both her and the clothes.

Blush spreads across Cross’ face, the virtual pet shrinking shyly. Featherweight nods, listening carefully.

FEATHERWEIGHT: Such is how young love tends to go…a fated encounter, inspiring the mind…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Go on. Tell me more.
CROSSBONE: Oh my god…

You can’t help but smirk, thoroughly enjoying this.

POLKA DOT: We don’t gotta wear anything out here, but we do, and it’s like…self expression.
POLKA DOT: I like that.
POLKA DOT: And I like being able to make those clothes happen.
POLKA DOT: Kinda feel the same way about cooking, too…
FEATHERWEIGHT: You’re an artist, then! Through and through!
FEATHERWEIGHT: I could tell by looking at you.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Have you considered going to our local art museum at all?
POLKA DOT: …there’s an art museum?
FEATHERWEIGHT: Mhm. It’s…rather sparse and underfunded, due to not many people up top appreciating this kind of thing…
FEATHERWEIGHT: But people persist in spite of that.
FEATHERWEIGHT: If you enjoy fashion shows, you may get a lot out of that as well.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Why not give it a try after that adventure of yours?
FEATHERWEIGHT: You could even take Willow here and make it a date!
CROSSBONE: …that does sound nice…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Wonderful. If I manage to get my hands on some tickets, I’ll let the two of you know.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Some of my collaborators and I do textile sculptures, which are always a hit.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Seeing sculptures made out of toy materials…it’s quite visceral, don’t you think?

Huh…never thought about it like that.

POLKA DOT: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense…
POLKA DOT: …wouldn’t expect you to be a “visceral” kind of guy, admittedly.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Hehehe…
FEATHERWEIGHT: I have my love of the macabre just as much as any other! Well, maybe a little moreso.
FEATHERWEIGHT: I’m particularly interested in whatever spooky things you’ll come across on your adventure…
FEATHERWEIGHT: And what our dear Willow will become!
FEATHERWEIGHT: Perhaps even a bit jealous…but I couldn’t spare the time, no.
FEATHERWEIGHT: I will live vicariously through you youngsters.
FEATHERWEIGHT: But with that…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Do you have any questions for me? Your turn to interrogate.

Lilium Mortem · 04-15-2023, 09:45 PM

couldn't anything be considered 'toy material'? like grass backed clay hedgehogs or pet rocks or wooden ducks on wheels? yeah stuffed toys exist sure, but i dunno seems like you're making it weird for no reason, like in the same line of logic you could say all clothes are like the skin of plush toys but we don't.

anyway uh, how'd you wind up getting this shop?

***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-15-2023, 10:34 PM

Let me in on your "art", the things that give you goosebumps and get you through life.

***skinstealer*** · 04-16-2023, 07:51 PM

POLKA DOT: Alright, hmmm…
POLKA DOT: On the sculpture thing.
POLKA DOT: Couldn’t, like….anything be “toy material”?
POLKA DOT: We don’t go calling clothes, like, “skin” or whatever.

Cross can’t help but giggle at that, making the tiniest warm and fuzzy feeling build in your chest.

Every time she thinks I’m funny…

FEATHERWEIGHT: Oh, I see what you mean…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Why, yes, toy material could be anything.
FEATHERWEIGHT: But the identification as the fabric we use for our sculptures as such is a deliberate choice.
FEATHERWEIGHT: We try to capture the toy experience through our pieces, albeit in an abstract form.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Intimacy conveyed through simplified blending together, forming a unit with distinct parts, both halves and two wholes…
FEATHERWEIGHT: It’s meant to be transgressive. To be evocative of toy flesh.
FEATHERWEIGHT: …besides, I do hold the belief that it’s fine to treat cloth in general as if it were skin.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Cloth has a duality- it can be used to heal the body, but also accentuate what’s already there. Anyone can benefit from it…
FEATHERWEIGHT: That’s part of what makes it beautiful, to me.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Clothes are an extension of the body, after all.
CROSSBONE: I-I agree completely!

Both of you turn to face Cross, surprised by her outburst.

CROSSBONE: Without clothes…I don’t feel like myself.
CROSSBONE: At the very least, in a shelled form…
CROSSBONE: When I project, it’s a little different- but I’d like to dress that up someday too!
FEATHERWEIGHT: Dressing a projected form…I can’t say I’ve ever done that before.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Could be fun to design something for that…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Providing you’re willing, of course.
CROSSBONE: …maybe after my adventure, if that’s okay?
CROSSBONE: If I’m to show that much of myself…

A little smile forms on her screen’s character.

CROSSBONE: I want to be my real, genuine self.

Featherweight nods, clearly pleased with that answer.

FEATHERWEIGHT: I await taking your measurements with great glee!
FEATHERWEIGHT: It would be an honor…
POLKA DOT: I mean, that’s, like…what art means to you, right?
POLKA DOT: The whole…extension of the body thing. That’s what gets excited?
FEATHERWEIGHT: More than anything.
FEATHERWEIGHT: To display someone’s inner self, in one way or another…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Or even a persona! Some deliberate choice as to how to present!
FEATHERWEIGHT: The possibilities are endless…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Sculpture captures the same message with different methods- you have to create the illusion of toy form where there is none.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Even if there’s no actual body, no actual person to hang the fabric on…
FEATHERWEIGHT: You must compose it as if there was one, to the point where you can picture a living, feeling soul to it.
FEATHERWEIGHT: It’s incredible, don’t you think?
POLKA DOT: I’m trying to wrap my head around it, honestly…
POLKA DOT: There’s…a lot going on there. Might help me to actually see it in action.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Then you will, you will.
FEATHERWEIGHT: So exciting…
POLKA DOT: You’ve…got a whole lot going on, then. Both the shows, the museum and the shop…
FEATHERWEIGHT: Oh yes, I like to keep busy.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Idle wings make for a dull mind.
POLKA DOT: How’d you even get into it, anyway?
FEATHERWEIGHT: Well…it’s kind of a long story.
FEATHERWEIGHT: But I’ll try to abridge.

He rests his face on a wing, neck craning over.

FEATHERWEIGHT: I was given this shop as a gift from an older friend, a “homemade” plush named Benjamin.
FEATHERWEIGHT: He was a more traditionally minded toy, and wasn’t always fond of my…more eccentric and indulgent creations.
FEATHERWEIGHT: He considered it a waste of fabric, that such things would be better put towards practical, durable outfits made for travel.
FEATHERWEIGHT: His notes are actually what Willow here is working off of.
CROSSBONE: Really? I just assumed they were yours-
FEATHERWEIGHT: Oh, no, I definitely lean more towards the frivolous in my design work.
FEATHERWEIGHT: I like making gear. And I like making fetish and kink pieces.
FEATHERWEIGHT: But it also puts money on the table using his old designs, and keeping his legacy going.
CROSSBONE: …legacy?
FEATHERWEIGHT: Yes- I’m afraid he’s no longer with us.
FEATHERWEIGHT: His old age was unkind to his seams, and for all of his insistence on practicality, he insisted after a point that he would stop getting patches, and allow himself to fall apart gracefully.
FEATHERWEIGHT: I helped him during his aging years and eventually, he passed on.
FEATHERWEIGHT: I inherited his shop, almost like a parent passing onto a child- a foreign concept to us toys, but an interesting one in fiction, at least.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Admittedly, he’d probably shake his fist at me in disgust for me turning his shop into a pervert’s playhouse, but he can deal.
FEATHERWEIGHT: For all of the weight I pulled at his bedside, the least he can do from the afterlife is respect my goals and dreams as well as his.
FEATHERWEIGHT: A perfect blend of his work and my own…that’s the goal of my shop.

***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-17-2023, 04:50 PM

You ever feel all that weigh on you? It's quite a lot to have to think about that legacy in your work.

***skinstealer*** · 04-23-2023, 09:59 PM

POLKA DOT: …does it ever weigh on you, though?
FEATHERWEIGHT: Hmm?
FEATHERWEIGHT: How do you mean?
POLKA DOT: Legacy and all, feels like it’d be a lot to think about with your work.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Hmmm….
FEATHERWEIGHT: Maybe so.
FEATHERWEIGHT: But I keep on.
FEATHERWEIGHT: It gives me drive more than it gives me pause. Some out of spite for what he thought I couldn’t do, and some out of wanting to make him proud.
FEATHERWEIGHT: And simply put- he’s dead. It’s not like I’ll ever have to deal with him being disappointed in me again.
FEATHERWEIGHT: Perhaps that’s a morbid way of looking at it…
FEATHERWEIGHT: But I prefer to think of him as proud of me when I do think about how he’d feel, watching over me.
FEATHERWEIGHT: At the very least, he’d be approving of the partnership with Laurie’s.
FEATHERWEIGHT: While he was a bit of a prude, he did want the best for this city.
FEATHERWEIGHT: The fact that I’m making a difference, even if a small one, would please him, I think.

The stork chuckles to himself, closing his eyes for a moment.

FEATHERWEIGHT: That’s all we can do, right?
FEATHERWEIGHT: Just try.

The room settles into a comfortable silence despite the heavy topic, no one feeling a need to say anything.

It’s peaceful.

It’s dark by the time you and Willow are walking back, a tote bag slung over your arm carrying Roulette’s new outfit. You had managed to finish its scarf and then some in time, with Devo’s outfit all done and Tim’s most of the way there.

CROSSBONE: You know, you never told me what you want for your outfit.
CROSSBONE: I need to make sure my girlfriend’s nice and warm out there, after all.

***knux400*** · 04-24-2023, 12:11 AM

My long neck and low shoulders are practically begging for a big poofy collar. There's a lot of space to fill here [gesture to neck/shoulder area].

Lilium Mortem · 04-24-2023, 12:37 AM

I kinda want one of those big coats that are also kinda like dresses? but I don't think it'd look good with my duck butt. just like imagine me wearing a trench coat, all mysterious like, and then it's ridding up on my tail. hmm... maybe something like a furred poncho? with puffball drawstrings and a hood. then some big stompy hiking boots. not sure what else to do about the underlayer.

***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-24-2023, 09:22 PM

BIG SCARF. Earmuffs.

***skinstealer*** · 04-25-2023, 10:10 PM

You think about it, watching some snowflakes gather on Cross’ head and shoulders.

What would be nice…

What would I like?

What would she like?

POLKA DOT: I got this whole, like…long neck situation.
POLKA DOT: I feel like something’s gotta go there.
CROSSBONE: Oh?
CROSSBONE: Like… a scarf?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, or like…a big poofy collar. Something cute, but kinda pretty.
POLKA DOT: Could be nice with one of those like. Coat dresses.
POLKA DOT: Could be a problem with the duck butt, though.
CROSSBONE: Not if you put leggings underneath!
CROSSBONE: …I mean, it’d still be out, but…
CROSSBONE: I dunno, you make it work with your other looks.
CROSSBONE: I think it’s pretty cute….

Your face heats up with blush-paint, getting a little giggle out of you.

POLKA DOT: Well then, I have to consider it.
POLKA DOT: Some big hiking boots could be cool, too.
POLKA DOT: Maybe….earmuffs.
CROSSBONE: Hmm, hmm…
CROSSBONE: All this should be doable.
CROSSBONE: And…I have some ideas for how to make it just right for you.
POLKA DOT: Oh? Do I get to know?
CROSSBONE: Nope! It’s a surprise.
POLKA DOT: With you, I love surprises.

Leaning over to plant a kiss on Cross’ forehead is tricky while walking through snow, but you manage it anyway, and get a happy little beep in return.

CROSSBONE: And I love giving them, silly.
CROSSBONE: You’re going to really like this, I just know it…
POLKA DOT: Guess I’ll have to get you back, then.
CROSSBONE: Oh?
CROSSBONE: And how are you gonna do that?

There’s the slightest bit of implication in her voice- just enough to get you thinking about that phrase from earlier.

After hours.

CROSSBONE: We’ll have time when we get back to my apartment…
CROSSBONE: Just us.

***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-25-2023, 10:23 PM

Should I expect any surpises?

***skinstealer*** · 04-29-2023, 03:44 AM

POLKA DOT: Hmm…
POLKA DOT: Well, you’re the one who loves doing surprises.
POLKA DOT: While I wanna get you back…
POLKA DOT: It sounds like you have more up your sleeve for me.
CROSSBONE: Well…
CROSSBONE: Maybe.
CROSSBONE: Yes.
CROSSBONE: It’s…something kind of special to me.
CROSSBONE: And I hope it’ll be special for you, too.
POLKA DOT: …any other hints?
CROSSBONE: Hmm….
CROSSBONE: Consider it…

Her next words are loaded with suggestion- of what, you’re not entirely sure…

CROSSBONE: A preview.

But you know you’re into it.

It’s barely after you walk through the door to Cross’ apartment before the two of you are kissing, no one sure who started it first. It had been simultaneous, the need building up through every step home. Getting each others’ coats off is a fumbling affair, a mess of limbs and fabric and plastic and rubber. But as it turns out, coats aren’t enough, your wings slipping under Cross’ shirt to literally press at her buttons, sneaking in a little treat command with a few presses you’ve come to memorize.

Cross’ pixel character gulps it down, the virtual pet sounding winded in a way that gets you going even more.

CROSSBONE: N-not fair that you can do that so easily…
POLKA DOT: You said I could.
POLKA DOT: And you also said-

She blushes as much as a low resolution ghost on a screen can.

POLKA DOT: -that it gets you in the mood more than anything now.
CROSSBONE: Yes, well…

Her character makes a little grabby gesture, waving its hands around- and you reward it with another treat, your girlfriend gobbling it down with enthusiasm.

POLKA DOT: Good girl.
CROSSBONE: Hehe…
CROSSBONE: We’ll see how much you can keep up being in charge with what I have in mind…
POLKA DOT: Yeah? You know I like a challenge.
CROSSBONE: Mmm…
CROSSBONE: This is going to be your biggest one yet.
POLKA DOT: Try me.

She leans in, whispering close to you.

CROSSBONE: How do you feel…
CROSSBONE: About taming a monster?

MarxzVulpez · 04-29-2023, 04:00 AM

crikey

***ThreadLurkingComorant*** · 04-29-2023, 04:07 AM

LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO

***skinstealer*** · 05-01-2023, 08:31 PM

You’re struck with the potential of what she’s saying, almost taken off guard at first.

She still looks like she always has…
Is she offering, like, a roleplay?
I could do some rolepl-

Your thoughts stop mid-sentence as you see her tilt her head in a way you’ve come to understand as her inviting you in for neck kisses, right along the ridged edges.

Your favorite.

POLKA DOT: Let’s fucking go.

You dive in beak-first, dotting little kisses up and down her neck, cheek and shoulders, getting a delighted beep out of her.

CROSSBONE: Hehehe-
CROSSBONE: You’re not even gonna ask for more info?
POLKA DOT: Nope.
POLKA DOT: I know whatever you’ve got cooking, I’m down.
POLKA DOT: Besides, if it’s some…monster, thing, you’re probably gonna be really happy when we do it.
POLKA DOT: I can’t pass that up.
CROSSBONE: Polka….

You hear a familiar sizzling noise as you pull back to look at her screen, starting to glitch out and project her true form. You love this little moment in between-

It’s only for a split second that you realize the character on her screen seems to be…flickering in between the ghost form you know, and something more… wolf-y.

Oh. Oh shit.

The projected form that follows is large as details fade in, pixels slowly clustering into solid shapes.

Sharp teeth, with hair hanging down in long strands- still made of flame. Her skull face is still there, but with an elongated muzzle now, and her claw hands feel even more dangerous with the new size.

She peers down at you with another signature head tilt, her eyes just barely visible through her hair.

CROSSBONE: It’s not…the full transformation.
CROSSBONE: It’s not where I want to be yet.
CROSSBONE: But it’s a start.