everything and nothing

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.

*She pulls away quickly.*

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, or offend you, or-

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

You were there for a lot, though!

*She freezes for a moment.*

She nods after a while.

*Every switch, another wrench thrown into her carefully laid words, another unknown factor she has to adjust for, another threat-*

She smiles awkwardly. Everything about her is awkward, like she can't fit in her own skin no matter how hard she tries.

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.

*She pulls away quickly.*

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, or offend you, or-

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

You were there for a lot, though!

*She freezes for a moment.*

She nods after a while.

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.

*She pulls away quickly.*

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, or offend you, or-

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

You were there for a lot, though!

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.

*She pulls away quickly.*

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, or offend you, or-

I don’t know what’s wrong with me…

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.

*She pulls away quickly.*

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you, or offend you, or-

Something skitters glides skips shuffles by the office. It’s barely visible before it passes the doorway, but its shadow is like nothing Poppy’s seen.

There is a knock on the open door, presumably just to be polite.

Uh- yes, I'm here-

Whatever it is pokes its head inside. Small arms are branching off its main one, and its right eye is randomly changing colors. But it solidifies to a bright, almost emerald green when she spots Poppy.

*Ok, so that's- that's far from normal. But when have the princesses ever been normal? Besides, she seems nice enough. She just wants a first aid kit, that's all.*

A hand shakily reaches out to take the kit from Poppy. One of the smaller branching ones waves before sliding back into her skin. She backs into a corner to examine the kit’s contents.

*She doesn't like that eye.*

She lifts one arm to show where something clearly grew and fell off, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

Oh- yes, that is- quite the injury you have there-

You’re acting all shifty. What’s your deal? And I don’t think we’ve met.

I don't believe we have either! I'm Opportunist. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence.

My name’s…. erm……… never mind.

*How familiar she is with that answer...*

I…. I….

They probably won’t give me anything.

Relax! The boss gave Contrarian a job working registers, and they're one of the biggest wild cards I know! I don't even think they know how to count, actually- anyways, my point is, you could probably just ask the boss for whatever job you'd like and she'd give it to you. Especially if you make a good case for why you should get that job. And I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty talented at making a good case.

You- you know Contrarian?

*A spark in her eyes as she catches the shift.*

It really is. They’re just trying to help, and they always think they’re making things worse… I just want to make sure they know they’re appreciated, y’know?

*She watched the changes. She's never seen any of the other princesses do anything like this.. but then again, they're quite the diverse lot, aren't they?*

That’s honestly a great idea!

I’ll figure it out.

Hey, don't worry! I'm sure nothing like that is going to happen. This place doesn't exactly have the strictest security, I'm sure you'll be perfectly fine.

Huh. …Of course it doesn’t have good security, it’s a restaurant. What are you people trying to protect, the food?

*She laughs. If you didn't know what to listen for, you could almost think it's genuine.*

You’re funny. I like you.

Why thank you! You're quite enjoyable to be around yourself.

As Poppy’s hand brushes against hers, her entire form flickers. Her posture gets a bit more shrimpy, some of her hair turns a familiar reddish-orange, and a tail pokes out from under her skirt.