Monsterhearts: The Summer Folk

[roll to seduce]

@WickedCadrach @WritesNaughtyStories @Chiyako @DreamsnThings

We look down on Potter's Neck most popular attraction, conveniently located right next to the bridge taking people on and off the island, Playland. There's a steady flow of people going through the different attraction, mostly families visiting from a far. 

We zoom in closer to look at the concessional booth. A narrow building whose roof is shaped to look like a hotdog. The summer sun beaming down on the mostly plastic building leaving the inside sweltering. The various grills did not help. Leaving the poor girl working there alone drenched in sweat, with little but a small desk fan to cool her down.

It was late in the day and Derek hadn't showed up today, so Robin had been working alone. The work load wasn't that high, but it did mean she didn't have the chance to leave the booth for a short break.

Selene was on her way home, but stopped to visit Robin and get her daily snack. They are were chatting. What were they chatting about?

As the two chatted a small gang of their peers started to crowd. Mostly football players and popular girls. Notable among them was Velvet. The group was murmuring about a party. Derek's parents were out so he was throwing a party at their beach house. How does Velvet know these people? Why is she hanging out with them?

A couple of the girls were pointing at Dylan sitting on a bench people watching. One blushed, the other giggled. 

Back at the booth, the door on the side opened. It was Derek, tall athletic guy with an outfit screaming "Don't you know who my dad is?"

He made a fake smile and said:

"Thanks for covering, I had a long ass day."

He kneeled down and picked up a handful of drinks from the fridge, placing them on the counter for his friends to take. 

[WickedCadrach]

"One corndog with mustard," Robin said, her voice lilting with a tired but pleasant melody to it. And expecting Selene's next question, she apologetically added, "and we still don't have any honey. I've asked my aunt Mari about it, though, so I'll let you know if we get some." 

As she pulled the spigot to fill the small girl's free water cup, Robin's smile faltered a bit. With her other hand, she rubbed the back of her neck with a damp rag wrapped around an ice cube, sighing into the momentary relief from the oppressive heat before turning back to the underclassman. "You're sure you haven't seen Charlotte around? I know she runs off like this sometimes, but it's been almost a full day..." Robin looked out into the late afternoon sun as if she might see Charlotte leaning against the overflowing trash can, between the football players and the giggling upper-classmen girls. 

Her cousin was not there though, but following those girls' pointing fingers, she saw Dylan. He was staring into the distance the way he so often did, and she thought she could see a depth in those eyes. It was like he was looking into some invisible world that only he could see. Robin's heart fluttered, and she unconsciously bit at her lower lip, tugging the pink flesh ever so gently as she tried to imagine what those dark eyes saw. 

"Oh, shoot!" The water cup had overflowed onto her fingers, and she quickly grabbed a dry rag, stopping the spigot and dumping a little of the excess down the drain as she blushed in embarrassment and handed the cup to Selene. 

She was about to apologize on reflex when Derek crashed into the booth, shooting off his fake words of thanks for 'covering him' while he began to pass out drinks. 

"Oh, sure... no problem," Robin replied, but her gaze was caught on the drinks he was piling up. "Um, Derek, I can–I can get your friends some water cups if you like? Or are you...?" she stopped shy of outright asking if he was paying for them as he glanced her way, her stomach managing to tie itself in knots around the butterflies that rose from looking into that handsome smile. 

"Never mind," she said meekly... It was only a few drinks after all. 

Edited Monday at 03:51 PM by WickedCadrach
grammar

[Chiyako]

Dangit! Maybe next week?

Thin fingers released their grip upon the counter, hands extending forth to accept the corndog which, at the very least, always included mustard. She could have asked for honey mustard week after week, but she liked the taste of real honey. It was just better. Regardless, she had acquired half of her almost daily snack, drawing it to her lips, only to stop when she remembered that they had been engaged in a very important conversation!

Charlotte is missing? I don't think I have anything belonging to her.

Amethyst orbs raised to meet the older girl's face, head timidly shaking a couple of times in reply. "No. I haven't" she spoke, soft and quiet, but not enough that it was lost within the conversation taking place behind her. Generally Selene was soft spoken but in the moment there were other things which made her feel just a little smaller than usual. Like the girl behind the counter, for instance! She was attractive, and in their current environment the heat generated sweat which made fabric cling to flesh. Not that Selene was attracted to girls! Well, probably not. She hadn't fully made her decision on that. Selene liked boys, was interested in boys, although not as much as she was interested in books.

Knowing it was to be quite warm out today, Selene had chosen a lighter outfit, a thin white cotton sundress which, in the right light, showed off the silouhette of her figure. Not that she had much to show off, but she was at least proud of how her overall shape had filled out. She didn't need any support for that, at least. The sundress was also a great choice because it meant that one could properly wear a wide brimmed sunhat, and while that wasn't the same as her witch's hat it was similar enough to make her feel just a little more comfortable, which was important now as there were others standing behind her, and in a situation which involved many people she often found herself at a disadvantage.

A party? Gosh. I think I would like to join a party.

Who would invite her? Probably nobody. She generally wasn't invited to parties. It did allow her more time to read her books, at least. But sometimes she wished that somoene would invite her. It would be easier to make friends at a party, probably.

Eyes widened momentarily when the cup Robin was holding overflowed with water. One hand extended to take hold of the cup once it was dried off. Both of them had become distracted in the moment, possibly for different reasons. Well, probably for different reasons. Robin seemed like the sort of person who could get invited to a party.

"Thank you."

A sip was taken from the cup. She had been thirsty. Wetting her throat would help with speaking loud enough to be heard. "If I see her I'll-" she began, only to stop when another employee suddenly showed up from the back! A boy named Derek. Popular. Tall. Handsome. Someone she recognized as being a worker here. She didn't want to interrupt either of them. They were both busy, after all.

With a meek nod of her head Selene took a step to the side, knowing full well that the crowd behind her might surge forth in order to collect the various cups. Cup in one hand Selene raised the corndog to her lips, nibbling quietly upon the tip while her eyes darted about, following those who were present.

Keep an eye out for Charlotte. I don't know where she usually goes though.

[WritesNaughtyStories]

Dylan shifted on the bench as their gaze drifted from a young couple - older than them, but not like, old - toward the the Corn Dog stand. The girl who who worked there was named Robin. Dylan noticed she looked at them the way Ellie did, but Robin would talk to them. Selene was there too, Dylan recognized her from all the time they'd spent staring out the window at the sea.

That was before... but Dylan was Outside now.

And Robin looked again, chewing her lip - The Maker had done that sometimes, but this didn't feel as dangerous. Dylan gave a little wave.

Then Derek arrived. Derek worked here too, but today he was in different clothes - not his uniform, and had a bunch of other kids with him. He was taking drinks from the store, but Robin looked kind of upset. It made Dylan a little mad - which was something new,

"Hey!" They shouted, stepping forward absolutely confused by what was happening, and took a few steps toward Derek. 'Fuck! He was HUGE!' Dylan wished like hell they hadn't gotten up. "If Velvet and me have to pay,  don't you!?"

Spoiler

Dylan, rolled 3 using 2d6-1. to shut Derek down. Failed. Marking experience. Fuck, this is gonna hurt, huh?

 

Edited Tuesday at 05:46 AM by WritesNaughtyStories

[DreamsnThings]

Smile - Flirt - Look Happy
There was a buzz in the air, Cindy was chatting about her new purse, absolutely to die for, love it. Karla Pivoting to the latest gossip, who fucked who, who was mad at who for fucking the love of their life, who got a revenge fuck in to make their love turned  ex jealous so they would get back together with them... same old... same old~
Compliment The Highlights, they want someone to notice
 silver Eyes flick, lined with heavy black eyeliner towards one of their owners friends, going wide as she gushed "Wait a second Clair... are those highlights? subtle... but sexy, I love it girl!" there was a moment of laughter as the girl, cindy basked in the validation... the attention... later she might remember the one who noticed, Velvet, fondly.
Good, keep this pace I will Check in later.
Velvet was smiling happily, happy that she made someone happy... and happy that she felt something switch. she kept things happy, she kept them light, and she noticed little things naturally... or at least naturally enough to make it "look" natural... another task done successfully.

sweet silence only lasts so long, the subtle as a freight train sound of two of the girls laughing was enough to draw the psudo goth girls eyes as she leaned in with a big smile, whispering to the two girls "I bet those muscles would feel great~ in a few ways" a brief little squeal left the two as she let herself join in the celebration for a brief moment. they seemed to love imagining how he would feel... then derek popped in... god damnit derek.

"I think im going to say hi to a couple friends, Ill catch you girls later. Cindy, text me the details of which stylist did those lights later I need someone good to give me a cute blue one and I think you know just the one! see ya later~<3" half skipping away, velvet turned on her heel, quietly making her way to the... weiner hut... the fuck was with the owners aesthetic sense she would never know...

Velvet walked into the line, avoiding the side with derek, he was an obnoxious ass... but he definitely made a few opportunities to win brownie points. she had a plan... slip the Cashier.. robin right? enough to cover the drinks, and a little extra for the trouble, and get a little appreciation she could use a little later... give a little treat to the little corndog and water girl to make another friend, it was all in the plan...

...wait a moment... did she just hear someone yell her name, well he was seemingly trying to start a fight? oh fuck that was... not in the plan.

not.. in.. the.. plan...

fuck she was going to hear about this later.

Edited Tuesday at 04:17 AM by DreamsnThings

[roll to seduce]

As Dylan approached, Derek climbed out of the booth with trained athletic motions. As he landed on the floor he gestured to his friends that "drinks are on me" before acknowledging Dylan with a surprised:

"Oh my god it talks!"

Before wrapping his arm around Dylan, putting on one of those punchable smiles only boys with rich dad's can.

"You're right! Someone should pay."

He said in a sarcastic tone.

"But I forgot my wallet"

He added, being full of shit, the outline of his phone, vape and wallet were clearly visible.

"But you know, I'm so glad you're here to save us. It's only like ten bucks anyways."

He moved aside so Dylan could approach the booth before leaning in to whisper to Velvet.

"Hey Vel, do you actually know this fag?"

The crowd around that heard it giggled. Many people knew of Dylan, though it was easy ridicule to claim to be friends with such a strange person. At least in cliques like Derek's

[WickedCadrach]

Robin started in surprise. She hadn't known Dylan for long, but she'd never seen him this... animated before—she hadn't even realized he was looking this way, as Derek stole her attention the moment Dylan had raised his arm in a friendly wave.

The righteous anger in Dylan's softer voice for the way Derek plundered the concession stand and the way Dylan rushed up to the larger boy to call him out on it—all of this sudden commotion made Robin's heart race.

Confrontation.

Outside her stand, the two teens stared each other down like stags in the forest about to tangle horns, and Robin's stomach folded in half as the tension rose. A few of the other teens, following some feral instinct, took a step back to form a half-circle around Dylan and their king. Derek making the first move and pulling Dylan with a playful grab, may as well have been a spoken reminder, 'hey, I can break you. You really want to do this?' as far as Robin was concerned. 

"It's fine!" Robin blurted out, maybe a bit panicked in her tone. Forcing a wobbly smile on her lips, she reached under the counter and pulled out her purse, reaching for a few stray dollars and waving them like a white flag. "I-It's ok. Derek." Her eyes wide and pleading, Robin leaned forward on the counter, the late afternoon sun dappling over her skin where the long, black-silk strands of her hair clung to her neck. The sweat of working in the summer heat made her top cling her and the sudden shift in position slid the collar of her 'too-big' work shirt to reveal the pale curve of one slender shoulder. 

Spoiler

//She's not doing it intentionally, but Robin is using Hot to try and Turn Derek On. Rolled an 11 (9 + 2). Giving her a String on Derek (MC can choose how Derek reacts) //

"Please, don't fight," Robin whispered to Derek, her voice inaudible in the amusement park din, but the look and small motions of her lips carrying the intent while she tried to keep her eyes from turning toward Dylan. 

Spoiler

//Immediately spending that String to Tempt Derek to do what I want//

 

[roll to seduce]

Derek had been to busy, being annoyed by the job, and Robin had normally been so decently dressed with her religious vibe kinda putting him off, or rather not bothering to notice. Or maybe she seemed to too easy and naive to be fun prey.

But now, combining his high self-esteem from pushing is lessers around, seeing that this girl is actually kinda hot, and that she's trying to impress some other dude who may or may not even have a dick, kinda pissed him off.

He let go off Dylan, and moved toward Robin grinning. 

"I'm not gonna hurt him."

He showed his palms jokingly, before pulling out his wallet.

"I was joking, I got my wallet."

He pulled out a couple of bills while leaning closer to Robin.

"I'll see you tonight, we have a pool. So bring a bikini. Maybe borrow one from your cousin. I know she has some hot ones."

He placed the cash on the concession counter before turning back to the stunned crowd.

"Come on guys, it was a fucking joke. Dylan's probably broke as fuck anyways."

[DreamsnThings]

Velvet was... getting dragged into a confrontation... by the other side now, Derek, asking if she knew the guy who called him out, Dylan... for fuck sake yes she did, she knew everyone, that was the point. In a sugary sweet trill of a voice she started to chime in "well of course! You know me derek i like to talk a little with everyone! Its great to-" she trailed off realizing he wasn't listening to her, instead stairing down robins shirt collar at her neck... her own eyes lingering on the silver cross for a few seconds before she dropped the idea.

Derek, announcing it was a joke, paid.

Well... atleast we are back on track for his plan

Edited Tuesday at 12:48 PM by DreamsnThings
Pretty colors!

[Chiyako]

A voice she hadn't been expecting cut through the chatter about a party, snapping the witch's attention over just as it had snapped the attention of others. Another boy had stepped forth with a call for payments. She recoginized him, had pilfered a photograph from him, and so she also remembered his name. It was Dylan, if she recalled correctly.

Oh! This might end poorly!

It was a shame that she had nothing of Derek's. Maybe she could have helped in the moment, but then that would require being very forward with her ritual. Other people would almost certainly get weirded out if she started speaking in tongues. Any gains she might have thought that she made towards appearing normal would have been shattered, especially in front of this group. It was unfortunate, but she could not think of any way to help here.

Derek's brief showcase of his athletic abilities focused her attention firmly upon the boy. He might not have been the nicest person, but he was certainly very cool! It felt hard to hate him, but then perhaps that was part of the appeal that he'd built up. As he approached Dylan the crowd appeared to move with him. The larger students, somewhat ignoring her presence, ended up squeezing her forward. Eyes widened and heart raced as she neared the two boys, but thankfully those behind her knew when to stop and she managed to avoid running into either.

Another person she recognized approached the counter. A girl who dressed much like Charlotte did. Her name was Velvet. Selene remembered that. How could she not? A fascinating effect had occurred while she had viewed the girl from afar, something which hadn't happened with anyone else and something which she intended to explore more. Not that she could have missed the girl, as Derek soon directed his focus towards her, and Selene's attention had been caught between him and Dylan.

Someone else will fix this, right? Maybe I can just pay for it? But gosh, there are so many people here!

Lips parted slightly. She tried to summon up the courage to speak. Robin however was far more courageous than she was, and far more confident in these sorts of heavily populated situations. Her voice was loud enough to cut through everything that was transpiring, although it was only when the crowd broke away for Derek's approach towards the counter that she managed to glimpse the girl. A faint pink drew across her cheeks at the sight. Thankfully it could be mistaken for the heat, or at least that is what she told herself in the moment. The feelings which followed were confusing but brief, as relief took over at the de-escalation of the situation.

Pool? Bikini?

She owned one of those! Was that normal for a party? Perhaps it was if a pool was involved. It probably was. A bite was taken from her corndog as she considered just how to gain access to said party. Did one need to be invited? A thought did come to mind, and so in order to prepare for it she took a sip of water. It would make speaking clearly easier. She moved closer to the jock, stopping however when he returned his attention to the crowd.

"How big is the party?"

Loud enough to be heard, hopefully before the crowd returned to its normal buzzing of rumors and various conversations, although still a bit quiet. Hopefully the closer proximity towards her target helped. It was hard enough to steel her nerves, to avoid stumbling over her words in this situation, heart racing not just because she was speaking in public before many other people, but also because she was speaking with an attractive boy. Thankfully it seemed like a normal thing to ask, even if it was at its core a challenge. Throwing a bigger party meant that one was more important. It had been a theme in multiple books. A bigger party required opening it to more people. If she was lucky then she could be one of those people! The question itself was also a good way to move things away from the potentially narrowly avoided fight, and away from ridiculing poor Dylan.

[roll to seduce]

Derek kinda just scowled down at Selene. Little girls weren't his thing and he didn't want to ruin his appearance by putting on his big brother face. So their eyes locked for just a minute before turning his attention to the more bouncy girls in the crowd. 

Though this didn't mean Selene didn't get an answer. A class mate of Derek's, Marcus,  a sort of featureless person with no other claims to popularity other than his older brother deals weed. He squeezed himself in front of Selene to play hypeman to Derek. 

"The party's gonna be hype, dude, Derek's hosting. Huge pool, lotsa booze, hot chicks."

[WickedCadrach]

Robin's already flushed face turns a deeper shade as Derek leans close and puts the money for the drinks down. Her eyes widen and her hand reflexively comes up to brush the hair from her face and neck while she looked down. 

Derek Evans was asking her to a party. In the space of Derek's wink, Robin's previous anxiety had somehow been swapped out for a new variety—the sort that tells you its a trap, that you don't really belong and even hoping that you could is laughable. Back home—before moving to Potter's Neck—she'd gone to 'parties'. Well... she'd gone to her church youth group's lock-ins... potlucks with all the parents on one side and the youth group girls and boys split into their own tables to gossip about each other. But her dad had never let her go to a 'party' party... one with just the high school kids... kids who didn't go to her church and who her parents didn't know. It was an alluring world, taboo and mysterious, that Robin had only glimpses of, caught from the TV shows her mother didn't know she watched: a world that frightened her as much as it intrigued her.

"Y-yeah. The party. Cool. Cool cool," she said, her throat closing up for a moment and nearly making her choke as she stammered the reply out. "Will there be drinking?" she asked meekly, quickly waving a hand hurriedly adding, "Not that it matters. I don't care, I just, my mom has this... stupid rule... and I..." Robin could see feel the eyes on her before she saw them, and gave a nervous smile as she said, "Never mind," and listened to Derek's hype-man extolling the hedonistic virtues of the promised party. 

The mention of borrowing one of Charlotte's swimsuits made Robin's chest tight for a moment. She still didn't know if her cousin had come home yet or was still missing, not to mention she was older and Charlotte's swimsuits—that already looked small on her—would look scandalously revealing on Robin. Then again, Selene seemed like she might show up... maybe Charlotte would too? And from the way Velvet was standing between the popular girls, Robin thought she'd probably be there... it looked like everyone would.

But at that thought, Robin saw Dylan again, and her heart fell. She didn't know why she should feel guilty for something Derek had done... But she did now. And it was clear Dylan wasn't getting an invitation. Unless... was she wrong about that too? Derek couldn't be all bad, right? He had covered the drinks and stopped fighting when she asked. He probably was just being playful and she was overreacting... Her mother always said that 'boys will be boys'. That must be what that was, right?

"Um, yeah, I'll–I'll see if I can make it," she said to Derek—but her eyes were on Dylan. 

Edited Tuesday at 02:55 PM by WickedCadrach

[WritesNaughtyStories]

Dylan tensed as Derek grabbed them, anticipating the hurt. They weren't afraid of pain - in a way it was a welcome, understandable way to fill the empty.  Derek kind of pulled Dylan into a rough side hug, encouraging them to pay for the drinks. The hurt called and Dylan got ready to shove Derek off and invite the expected fury.

Instead Robin stepped forward and pulled money out of her purse to appease her "co-worker." Dylan kind of sighed, torn between the possibility of what her action meant and the need to feel. As her shoulder slipped out of her uniform shirt and her little silver cross glinted between her breasts, Robin gave Derek a blushing smile. A smile that Dylan felt in their chest like the hoped for blow from Derek.

He invited her to the party too and started to move off with his court of friends and hangers-on,

A bikini? Again, Dylan's chest ached, but they felt a stir lower, warmth spreading low in their belly and a flush rising in their cheeks.

When Derek's attention had moved to the other girls, Dylan caught Robin's glance and slid past Selene with a weak, uncertain smile. They approached the counter and fished three rumpled singles and a few coins in change out of their loose culottes and laid it on the counter. "He's not wrong - broke as fuck, - but here." They looked down at their hand, laying on the meager payment and started to turn away, "Uh, thanks." Dylan added, giving Selene a quick look, as if to ask 'Am I doing this right?' before trying to meet Robin's gaze, but struggling to get past the cross, before stalling completely at her lips.

[roll to seduce]

Derek lead the group away with a wicked smile on his face. He had great plans for tonight. As he walked around and the group was giggling about Dylan actually speaking to someone Derek wrapped and arm around Velvet to comment.

"I pegged you for desperate, but seriously? I didn't even know that freak could talk."

[Chiyako]

As the tall, handsome, popular leader of the crowd fixed a scowl down upon Selene's purple orbs the witch felt as though ice cold water had been injected directly into her spine. In that moment her entire body tensed, her gaze frozen to Derek's. It was as though the boy was condemning her for the mere act of speaking to him, and perhaps that really was what happened in the moment. But she couldn't turn away from the boy, fixated in place by pressure and terror at her misjudged attempt at being friendly and helpful.

When Derek's gaze finally did shift away a wave of relief washed over the little witch, only to be followed by a pinch of sadness, even guilt, as though she had been in the wrong for even asking. It didn't last, as another boy had suddenly stepped up and placed himself between the two. Being so close to another boy without any forewarning drew a brief flinching movement from Selene, eyes widened again and a hint of fluster returning to her momentarily pale face. This one was named Mark, if she remembered correctly. Or was it Marcus? Another person she hadn't managed to learn much about.

"Oh. C-cool."

A break within her composure, one which she immediately tried to cover up with a sip from her cup of water. She looked instead towards Robin who, in the moment, had also lost some of her cool. Not enough to diminish how Selene saw the girl, but enough to comfort her about her own misstep, if even a little bit. She followed Robin's gaze when it turned to another: Dylan. While he also seemed to be momentarily flustered he appeared to recover well. Selene scooted back when he tried to move past her, making certain to avoid messing up anyone's day with the corndog that she wielded.

Hoping to distract herself, Selene lifted the delicious morsel to her lips, only to pause when Dylan shot a glance her way. He looked to her as though seeking an answer to something. Or perhaps it was thanks for her moving? No, that wasn't quite right. It was something else. A questioning glance, perhaps seeking approval for something, or guidance. In the moment she knew not how to really help, and so she defaulted back to a timid smile and an awkward thumbs up with both hands, although the impact might have been partially tarnished by the items she was holding.

I survived!

[WickedCadrach]

46 minutes ago, WritesNaughtyStories said:

When Derek's attention had moved to the other girls, Dylan caught Robin's glance and slid past Selene with a weak, uncertain smile. They approached the counter and fished three rumpled singles and a few coins in change out of their loose culottes and laid it on the counter. "He's not wrong - broke as fuck, - but here." They looked down at their hand, laying on the meager payment and started to turn away, "Uh, thanks." Dylan added, giving Selene a quick look, as if to ask 'Am I doing this right?' before trying to meet Robin's gaze, but struggling to get past the cross, before stalling completely at her lips.

As Dylan extended the money, Robin hurriedly cut them off. "No, no, that's ok. Really. He ended up paying and... and..." In the sliver of a moment between Dylan's glance to Selene and turning back to her, Robin took hold of Dylan's hand, wrapping her slender fingers around theirs to keep the money secure in their grip. There was an electric feeling in that touch, like a charge softer than static or like the prickling that rose in toes and fingers got when one came in from the cold. And without meaning to, her thumb shifted across Dylan's knuckle, ever so slighlty.

Spoiler

//Rolling Hot again to Turn Dylan On. lol, 11 + 2 + 1 (lover bonus) = 14 on Hot roll. Robin will take a String on Dylan and Dylan can choose  reaction in the spirit of: 'give myself to you', 'promise something I think you want' or 'get embarrassed and act awkward'//

Those dark eyes were looking at her. No, it was like they were looking past her, into her... like Dylan was gazing into her soul. They way they lingered below her eyes... hovering over her lips... Robin felt her stomach flutter and she let go of Dylan's cool hand as if she'd done something rude by touching them. 

"I appreciate you standing up for me," she said quietly. Gripping her elbow in a shy display, Robin seemed to shrink just a little, glancing to where Derek was departing and then back to Dylan, feeling her heart squeezed with the tension between them as she did. "Listen, I know Derek can be a bit... much..." she said diplomatically. "But I think maybe that would change if people got to know you?" Raising one shoulder in a light shrug, Robin sighed and pulled at her braid, trying to sort out some of the frayed hairs. "This party could be a good chance... for both of us. I... I think I'm going to go." As she said it, Robin looked into Dylan's gaze once more, her expression silently adding: I think you should go too.

Spoiler

//Going to Spend that String I just got on Dylan to tempt them to agree to show up to Derek's party//

Knowing she won't have much time between the park closing and Derek's party, Robin breaks away from Dylan to look after Velvet. She tries to get the other girl's attention, but if she's already leaving with Derek and his crew, Robin won't leave the stand to chase after her. 

[WritesNaughtyStories]

5 hours ago, WickedCadrach said:

"This party could be a good chance... for both of us. I... I think I'm going to go." As she said it, Robin looked into Dylan's gaze once more, her expression silently adding: I think you should go too.

Dylan could not ignore the sparks that danced up his arm from where Robin's hand lay atop theirs. And then her thumb brushed their knuckle. They were used to being touched, but not used to it being for them. Their breath caught in their chest, and they nodded, "Yes," Dylan promised, thinking that was what Robin wanted. They swallowed, trying to find their voice, but it came out soft and breathy, higher than Robin's, "I'll go."

Dylan was pretty sure it wasn't going to be as good a chance for them as it was Robin, at least not in the same way. 'But,' they reasoned, 'if it made it better for Robin, that would be good, right?' Dylan closed his eyes for a second before they looked Robin in the eyes. They nodded once, withdrew their hand, money crumbled in a fist that still tingled with a strange excitement.

Dylan watched Robin for a moment as the girl tried to catch Velvet and drifted off silently, ducking between two midway games to hunker down behind the Tilt-A-Whirl and watch.

'A fucking party?' They asked themself, watching a boy, not terribly different from Derek, wrap an arm around a girl not terribly different from Robin. Dylan looked sown at their clothes, trying to see themself in shorts and a baseball jersey, utterly failing and laughing at the notion softly. Shaking their head the Hollow pushed themself to their feet with an easy grace and slunk out of Playland toward The House.

They hated it there, but where else was there to go?

The thrift store. Three bucks and change might just score something to wear... a bikini, maybe?

Spoiler

Marking experience for doing what Robin wants.

 

Edited Tuesday at 10:31 PM by WritesNaughtyStories
Typos, mechanics - basically I kind botched shit all over on this post.

[DreamsnThings]

A small laugh left Velvet as she leaned into derek, giving him a light playful little push, letting her hand linger on his chest "Desperate? hun I just like friendship, everyone has something to offer if you know where to look!.. that said part of why I came over was to let you know a few of your own might... not have your best intrests at heart..." leaning in close velvet tryed to bring her lips close to his ear... as a "unintended" consequence her C cup breasts, barely contained in a mix of a black bikini top and fishnets, pressed snuggly against his chest as she whispered conspiratorially "A little birdie told me a rumor apparently one of your friends heard you claim well you were pretty drunk that you... well im quoting what the rumor is saying, but that you want to "nestle your fat hog between the warm wet pussy lips" of your own mother... I dont believe it for a second, but its sticking pretty hard... thought you should know."

she had a feeling that he was not going to be too happy hearing that... especially since it was completely false... well, except the part about his wants... when she heard that little whisper from her birdies she was honestly a little nauseated... still was a tad honestly. so between those little details she wanted to give him space, giving him a light little hug she added one. last. thing. "It seems like one of them might be mad at you for some reason to be making up stuff like that... I dont know who said it, the rumors are saying a different one each time, but try and think about who might be mad at you... I thought you should know hun, ill see you at the party, i have a few things I need to do to get ready.."

noticing robin having a little reaction velvet smiled sweetly "and it sounds like I should help a cute little robin look cute for tonight~ any preferences on bikinis?" she let out a little laugh before slipping free from under his arm, smiling wide as inside she detested every moment of being with arms reach of this sore on society. before hurriedly making her way over to the little cutie behind the counter, whispering in a little rush "used you as an excuse to slip away, if anyone asks Im helping you pick out a bikini for tonight?"

[WickedCadrach]

Robin gave back a grateful smile. "That's ok. Stay as long as you like. Once the sun is down, I'm closing up and... well..."

Robin leaned back across the counter, returning the whisper. "If I'm honest, I'm kinda freaking out. Could you maybe, um, sort of..." She took a deep breath, a finger straying to the cross necklace, steadying herself with the reassuring talisman. "Could you help me choose something to wear tonight? I've never even tried on a bikini. And I don't know if that's really me,  but I really want to go and...." Her eyes meeting Velvet's, Robin mouthed 'help'.

[WritesNaughtyStories]

As Dylan made their way to the thrift store, they caught a glimpse of Selene and jogged to catch up with her.

"Hey," they began, breathing a little heavy and a little nervous about asking her for help. "Uh, can I ask you a favor?" They asked, eyes downcast and voice quavering a little. They paused, drew a couple of slow breaths to catch their breath. Selene's deep, amethyst eyes were stunning and Dylan lost themself in them for a moment before they remembered the whole point of this. "Could you help me pick out some clothes for this party? I promised Robin I'd go, but I don't own much beside this." They said, gesturing at their body with both hands.

[Chiyako]

Charlotte. Find Charlotte and I make Robin happy. And maybe Charlotte happy. Maybe one of them will invite me? Or do I even need an invitation? It feels like I should have one. I don't think Derek wants me to go.

That icy look still sent chills down her spine, enough that even remembering it inflicted a brief moment of shivering upon the poor witch. It hadn't been the first time that someone had scowled at her, but she hadn't been expecting such a visceral reaction from him! Maybe she wasn't part of any cool group, but she didn't think that she was that poorly liked. It really had been a gut punch, but thankfully others, specifically Dylan, had taken the attention away from her despite her grevious misstep, enough so that she could slip away more or less unnoticed.

I really should thank him. But I need to find Charlotte, and not just for the party! This is a great way to make a friend!

So caught up in her thoughts and the gradual devouring of her corndog was Selene that she hadn't even noticed the jogging approach of the very same boy she had been thinking about. It wasn't until he actually spoke up that the short girl took notice, and in that moment she let out a surprised squeak and visible flinch, her delicious treat nearly fumbled from one hand while the other was splattered with icy cold water from her cup! Amethyst orbs darted up to meet with the boy's gaze, her face flushed with pink while she did her best to recover with a nervous smile.

"H-hello! Um, hi!"

Did I summon him!? Oh gosh. Oh he is staring at me. Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong? Do I have mustard on my lips!? Wait, favor?

She blinked once, and then again for good measure. It was a good way to help snap her out of things which paralyzed her, like resetting a frozen computer, only thankfully much quicker. Her heart still raced within her chest, however now she could at least focus upon his words.

Me?

"M-me?"

The thought and her confused question were simultaneous, a moment of weakness in which her very thoughts had managed to slip free. She allowed her eyes to lower, following the boy's gesturing hands. A boy, or at least someone she thought was a boy, was asking her for assistance with clothes! It honestly would not have been her first choice. Velvet was the social chameleon, at least so far as Selene had observed. She probably knew everything there was about fashion! But this was a person asking for her help. Someone she could help. Perhaps even someone who might be interested in her friendship! And besides, she read a lot of books! That had to help, right?

Her smile relaxed, expression still a little flustered and timid but no long filled with the surprise jolt of anxiety. "I can help" she replied softly, eyes lowering again as a thought came to mind. She probably should have made him help her first. Charlotte still needed to be located. She didn't know him well enough, and it was important, and so Selene decided to attempt to ask as nicely as she could for his assistance! It certainly had nothing to do with her feeling a little down after being so thoroughly dejected at the corndog hut!

Selene lifted her eyes again, meeting Dylan's. It took a lot of willpower but in the moment she was able to hold it despite her growing nerves, and the increased heat within her cheeks. She leaned in a bit closer, nearly pressed her body against his, only avoiding so in order to prevent smearing the poor boy with mustard from the half-finished corndog held in hand. Slight traces of sweat held her thin sundress close to her body in places, and with the difference in height and her gown's naturally loose material one in Dylan's position could almost see down her top were it not for the fabric clinging to her. The sun behind her hit at just the right angle, allowing a glimpse of her silhouette through the dress.

"I don't suppose you could help me too? Afterwards, I mean?"

Spoiler

Rolled a 6 and a 4 to Turn On Dylan! +1 Hot makes 11! A shame because I had been hoping for a failure, feeling it might be more amusing, but alas. In any case Selene will take a string, and Dylan gets a reaction!

 

[WritesNaughtyStories]

Dylan was unprepared for the proximity but it was the glimpse of Selene's body that completely flustered them. They tried to step back and stumbled, falling backwards and landing on their very pretty ass. "Uh, yeah, sure I can probably help." They stammered, looking up at the sun limned girl, Her face was shadowed, but somehow her boobs were still outlined by the light, "Wh- what do you need help with?"

This sucked. Literally everyone they talked to left Dylan confused and searching for what to say, how to act - except when they'd tried to stand up for Robin. But that could hardly be categorized as a resounding success, It did suck quite a lot less than servicing The Maker. Didn't it? At least then there wasn't much to know,

Dylan gave their head a shake and regained their feet with the smooth, easy grace of a dancer, and dusted themself off, then pointed to the nearby second-hand store, "Uh, the store's right here, um thanks?" Dylan added, still feeling very awkward and uncertain. They took a few hesitant steps toward the shop, and finding Selene following continued until the reached the rickety sliding door. Throughout the short walk Dylan babbled disjointedly about ideas for what they could wear.

Inside they pulled items that caught their eye and held them up for Selene to offer advice on. As the pair rounded a corner, Dylan caught their reflection is a black glass vase and hated everything they saw, They stared for a moment, gazing through his own eyes into the emptiness where a soul should be.

Spoiler

Dylan, rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Gaze into the Abyss. What will make me look hot?

Dylan shook their head, trying to clear their thoughts and get something to wear. Something pretty, but not super femme, you know, something  hot,

[Chiyako]

Not only had her attempts at a flirtatious request worked, but it had worked well enough to deliver instantaneous and clear evidence of its success! In fact it had worked a little too well. Her smile weakened, guilt raced across her mind as the person she was trying to befriend ended up toppling right over! Of course it might not have been the fault of her looks, or her inexperienced attempts at seduction. No, it was entirely possible that the poor boy simply didn't wish to get dirtied by her treat! Or it was just a bit too out of left field. Deep down she knew that it had worked, and used that to consciously reinforce within her mind that she was, in fact, not terrible to look at!

Sorry! So sorry!

A couple of steps were taken forward, and for a moment she extended the hand which held her corndog. Briefly embarrassment muddled her expression, the delicacy retracted as she remembered that both hands were full. It did at least give her the chance to watch Dylan's recovery, a movement which was somehow a little more awe inspiring than she'd anticipated. He had a level of grace far beyond her own! Regardless with a wave of Dylan's hand towards their destination Selene turned to follow behind the boy, hurrying occasionally in her steps in order to keep up.

"I was hoping to look for Charlotte. Robin's sister" she explained between quick bites of her food. They were going into a clothing store. It seemed inappropriate to bring in her snack, but she didn't dare waste any of it either. Selene was already fairly petite. She had well shaped hips, sure, but she was lacking in other areas! Like her chest! Not that it seemed to fare too poorly moments ago.

Perhaps I am overthinking it? Probably not.

When they reached the doors Selene stopped for a few moments in order to polish off the rest of her corndog. After dabbing at her lips with the accompanying napkin and tossing the cleaned stick into a trash bin the witch hurried along inside, aiming to keep close to her new potential friend!

"She went missing. I'm sure she would appreciate your assistance too! I'll definitely let her know that you helped!"

Of course she wasn't ignoring her part of the bargain here. As she spoke Selene glanced through racks of used clothes, looking not only for something that might look good on Dylan, but also things which would fit properly. Alas, the question from before also came into play: was Dylan a boy or a girl? Or both? It was possible, albeit very unlikely. She used Dylan's suggested items to get a better read on the situation.

"You're-" she began, pausing for a moment in order to steel herself as her nerves started to falter. "You're very attractive. I think most things will work. Brighter colors might work, but not anything that clashes." She read that sort of thing in a book once, and while Selene didn't fully understand it she hoped that Dylan might, or at least that the two might figure it out!

"E-especially your eyes. They are a pretty green. I think leaning into something similar might look really neat!"

[roll to seduce]

Everything people didn't want nor need eventually made it into the bay as trash or into Gerald's shop. Potter's Neck Pawnshop was despite it's boring name a treasure trove of the weird and interesting. Gerald the somewhat hoarding-inclined hermit, ran this shop. He had suprising business acumen somehow knowing how to turn the most useless junk into something people wanted.

Selene bought one of her more occult books here, though she didn't pay in cash. What did she pay with?

The owner wasn't working most evenings, like every other business in town he'd hired one of the many teens wanting to earn a little cash.

A girl a year older than Selene was working this evening, though she was similarly lithe and flat. She wore a short bobcut, with purple highlights and was mostly paying attention to her phone.

As Dylan started to gaze into the vase, thry saw their own reflection wearing a calm and natural smile, almost laughing. As they tried to put it bag they could hear the vase rattle slightly. Looking inside Dylan found a handful of small round white pills.

[Chiyako]

Gerald's shop was always a treat to explore. One could find so many interesting things here, even occasionally personal effects strong enough to count for her hexing rituals! In fact short of garage sales or directly pilfering homes this was the best place to look. One could try the dump, but then one was sorting through literal trash, and it was always less pleasant to keep such things at home. It was also considered far stranger, and if someone had caught her out in the dump then it would have completely torpedoed any chances of her living a normal, friend filled high school life!

Perhaps the greatest thing she'd discovered in this place had been a rare, and very old, book on the occult! It ended up offering a plethora of useful information, and had granted her some important knowledge which had increased the efficiency and power of her rituals. However acquiring some items, that book especially, was difficult. It was not sold through one of the teens working part time at the shop. No, that she had purchased directly through Gerald, and not for any coin. Where as most people might simply pawn the tome off as some oddity It almost appeared as though he had known the true value of the book.

No, for that book she had offered a lock of her hair alongside a promise to owe the old hermit, to assist him if need be, and the knowledge that a person's hair was a powerful tool in the occult. He hadn't quite accepted the offer, and so she threw in an old bicycle which needed only a few touchups, along with a set of frilly pink underwear that she had been wearing at the time. It had been a sad loss, as she had quite enjoyed the undergarments, but it had been worth it. Normally such an item wouldn't go for much, but she knew from her extensive reading habits that some people actually did pay good money for used and, more importantly, unwashed underwear. Most of what was donated or pawned here came prewashed. Was it weird and lewd and embarrassing and kind of gross? Yes. But he knew how to extract value from things.

A glance was cast in the direction of the girl working behind the counter. Older and yet with a similar figure. The bobcut fit well, she decided, although she did prefer her longer hair. It was just comforting to her. However the purple highlights did earn a huge thumbs up from the witch!

At least things don't seem to be busy!