All My Toys: 224

Sarah, aka Quick Charge, is back in town! Just in time too, as her boyfriend Winston is kinda going through something. Plus, Miss M is harboring a fugitive: her dad! These toys are having the time of their lives in the latest All My Toys!

Miss M's apartment. The smell of Italian seasonings and promise of acid reflux fill the air.

Miss M: Ok, that article should be done. I think I can go now. I've just been a busy little bee. (sniffs air) Wait. 

Miss M: If I didn't know any better, I'd swear my grandmother's ghost was in the kitchen making her sauce. Dad! Dad!

Big Boy Caprice: What is it baby?

Miss M: What's going on in the kitchen?

Big Boy Caprice: Oh yeah, Itch is makin some sugo. Meatballs. Pasta. Your grandmother's recipe. It's fall. Time for eating the greats.

Miss M: Dad, you eat that food regardless of the time of year.

Big Boy Caprice: Yeah, yeah, but it's more special this time a year. Ya know that Halloween holiday is coming up. You used to love dressing up every year as a kid. Your very first Halloween almost didn't happen. There was some stugotz makin a scene about some commercial that was going to kill kids or something. I dunno. It was the eighties.

Miss M: I remember the story. (tilts head) I didn't know Itchy knew grandmother's recipe. That's actually really nice, it smells like he has been able to make it perfectly. It's bringing back a lot of memories. 

Big Boy Caprice: I know. She was a firecracker. Maybe you can, uh, eat with us?

Miss M: I'll have to eat some leftovers with y'all. It tastes better the next day anyway. I'm actually off to meet some friends. My friend Sarah is in town.

Big Boy Caprice: Oh really? Maybe we could all get together. I'd enjoy meeting your friends.

Miss M: In a normal world that would be great, but you are a wanted man. Who has tried to kill at least two men in my life. 

Big Boy Caprice: (pauses) Oh right. I forget what this life can bring you.

Miss M: Well I haven't forgotten. Just like I haven't forgotten that you need to fix this with your crime friends and then we're going to the police. I have already been breaking the law by having you here this long.

Big Boy Caprice: I know, I know. Just a little longer. I promise you, I'm gonna make it right. Hey, it's not so bad havin me around is it?

Miss M: (finds her eyes becoming watery) I've got to go dad.

Big Boy Caprice: We'll be here. Be safe out there. Don't take any wooden nickles from strangers.

Later on at hot spot Paradisa, friends gather for a private event.

Glo: I'm so glad you're visiting! Everything has been going well? 

Sarah: Of course. Been opening up shelters left and right. Running into some challenges with this current administration, but it's Lex Luthor we're talking about. Thankfully he gets distracted by the next shiny thing. But enough of me, what about you? Winston has been keeping me up to date. This stuff with Club Ritz sounds like a nightmare.

Glo: It has been insane. 

Billy: I was there too. I'm still surprised we all got out alive.

Glo: Some weren't that lucky.

Sarah: Yeah, I saw on the news that one of the singers died in the basement. And another one is missing?

Glo: This is true. We've been trying to plan a memorial or something for Krystal. She was the one in the basement. 

Sarah: I'm so sorry. And then there's the mess with M's dad? 

Billy: He's still missing. We've been trying to be supportive of M. She's been a little distant this past week.

Glo: She also lost her dog. It's been a lot.

Sarah: Yeah, it sounds like it. We just need a break. Speaking of, and I'm sorry to change the subject, but I was wondering if Billy might be interested in a little side gig?

Billy: Umm, what do you have in mind?

Sarah: With all the work I'm doing and the focus being on supporting the queer community with these shelters, and expanding that to super heroes as well given the way the current administration is talking about both groups of people, I was wondering if you'd be one of the faces of our marketing campaign?

Glo: That sounds amazing!

Billy: What would it mean to be the face of this marketing campaign?

Sarah: Well with your life as an openly gay man who has a history of being a super hero, it might bring some much needed attention to our mission statement. We're trying to find a variety of people to do some videos for social media, potentially talk to news outlets in the areas where we'll be opening shelters. Maybe even appear at the grand opening of some. That sort of thing. 

Billy: Wow. I'm honored that you thought of me. I'll definitely think about it. When might you need an answer?

Bruce Wayne: How has M been lately? 

Dick Tracy: She's been ok. I haven't really spoken to her much. I've been swamped at the station. I'm actually really glad we're having a night out actually.

Michelangelo: Dudes, that's what I've been saying. We've all really needed this. 

 

Alf: So what you're describing sounds like a Boo Bucket. From McDonald's. I get a lot of them in the store this time of year. People always come in looking to see what they're worth, but ya know, they're not worth much. Unless they have a strong old fry smell.

Winston: Great. That still doesn't answer the bigger question. Why I'm being haunted by one...

Alf: Aren't you like a ghost hunter or something?

Winston: Yeah, I am, but this is not like most ghosts. Usually other people can see a ghost or spirit, but I'm only able to see this one.

Alf: Oh you should talk to M about that. I heard she sees stuff all the time that's not even there. I once saw her talking to Godzilla in the grocery store, but there was no Godzilla to be found. It was wild man.

Sarah: I would need to know in a couple of weeks. I just think you'd be a great part of this Billy.

Bill: I'll really consider it.

Glo: It sounds fantastic. 

Sarah: There's one other thing I wanted to ask about, and this is for the both of you. Have either of you noticed Winston talking about this ghost that is haunting him?

Glo: A ghost? Haunting him? I don't think he has mentioned anything like that. 

Billy: At least anything out of the ordinary. His nine to five is ghosts.

Sarah: Right, but this is something different. When I came home to surprise him, he was visibly shaken. He says it's some ghost that looks like a bucket, and it keeps following him. I'm kinda worried for him.

Billy: Don't worry too much Sarah. He's a Ghostbuster. He'll be able to kick this bucket I'm sure.

Sarah: Not the best phrasing.

Billy: You know what I mean.

 

Brian: You excited for Halloween?

Miss M: It's weird, I want to be. With everything going on lately, I've just been a little off. 

Brian: It'll hit you. Treat it like that one year when you didn't even realize it was October. 

Miss M: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Eating sour bats helped put things in perspective.

Sydney: You ate bats? And they're sour?

Miss M: Oh no, just the Haribo ones. I'd never eat a real one. They are too cute.

Sydney: Right.

Glo: Billy, I think you should say yes to Sarah's offer.

Billy: I don't know. I want to. But, given the political climate we're in, do I even want to be the face of something that President Luthor could come down on? He's all, "you can't say gay, super heroes don't belong in sports, they're performing surgeries on kids to turn them into super powered humans." I mean. 

Glo: Everyone knows he is full of hot air trying to divert attention from his failing policies, so what better way than to create mass hysteria regarding vulnerable groups of people. I think you should do this. It will help people. Besides, Luthor's just a dick.

Billy: Speaking of dick, check out Dick, Bruce, and Mikey talking over there.

Glo: Yeah. M sure knows how to rack up a list of interesting paramours. But at least they're getting along. I wonder what they're talking about?

Billy: Right? And do you think Dick knows that Bruce is Batman?

Glo: I'm not even going there. Also, nice try at changing the subject. I'll drop it, but I still think you should say yes.

Billy: Maybe.

Billy and Glo look towards M's current and former flames for a little longer.

Billy: You think M and Dick have what it takes to go the distance?

Glo: I can see it. I'd never say this to her though, but I do kinda miss her with Bruce.

Billy: Yeah. So what about your paramour?

Glo: Excuse me?

Billy: That Jason guy you used to work with.

Glo: Oh lord, you have lost it. Jason is just a friend.

Billy: (grins) Maybe. 

Glo: Billy!

The get-together continues into the night.

Miss M: So, you are being haunted by a Boo Bucket that only you can see?

Winton: I am. Have you ever had to deal with that?

Miss M: Not exactly. I certainly have my visits, but usually from Godzilla or Pinkie Pie. They are both like Guardian Angels. Sometimes there's others, but ya know, it just depends on what I'm going through. I don't think any of them have ever haunted me though. Except for that one time when Pinkie Pie really wanted me to buy this confetti surprise dress. I just couldn't spend a thousand dollars on a dress. 

Winston: A thousand dollars on a dress? Gosh. I'll just stick to my jump suits. Either way, outside of your visions, Pinkie Pie and Godzilla are also real. I'm being haunted by something that is not real. Rather it's a piece of plastic. Boo Buckets aren't real breathing organisms.

Miss M: Well yeah, I mean, technically speaking, my Guardian Angels are based off of real life beings. Maybe this Boo Bucket is just a vessel for something real? Like a magic lamp or something? Maybe whatever is trying to communicate with you is actually inside the Boo Bucket. Didn't you say that the bucket was wanting you to open it?

Winston: Yeah. It was saying that.

Miss M: Winston! What if it's like a genie or something? What if the ghost of a McNugget resides in the Boo Bucket and wants to grant you unlimited Big Macs and fries?

Winston: That would be terrible, those are gross. (chuckles) I like a Royale with Cheese. (sighs) Oh who am I kidding? If it's not drowning in thousand island a Big Mac isn't that bad.

Miss M: Some would say a Big Mac is only good if it's over saturated with thousand island. I don't say that, but some might. (grabs Winston's hand) Whatever this Boo Bucket is about, it will be ok, because we're all here for you.

Winston: Yeah. I know. You guys are the best.

Miss M: Wait a second. How long has this been going on?

Winston: The last month or so. Maybe a little longer.

Miss M: I remember when we went to the Nostalgia Graveyard, you were getting creeped out. What if something from the graveyard followed you home and is continuing to haunt you?

Winston: I don't know. Possibly. But I see Sarah calling for me, I'm gonna go see what she wants. We'll talk more later, ok?

Miss M: (smiles) Ok!

Miss M: Well what do we have here? If this were a soap opera I'd be sweating bullets. (notices the joke doesn't land)

Miss M: Ok. Tough crowd. Are y'all having fun?

Bruce Wayne: It's nice. Yvie is alway telling me I need to get out more. It's sour bat season after all.

Miss M: I love sour bats. You probably don't remember, but I love when they come out this time of year.

Bruce Wayne: They have become a fall favorite.

Dick Tracy: Right. Sour bats. I'm more of a taffy kinda guy.

Michelangelo: Dude, you sound so old.

Glo: This really turned out to be a good night. Winston seems so happy with Sarah back.

Miss M: I know. It sucks her visit won't be for much longer.

Glo: Right? Have you been ok?

Miss M: Sure. Why wouldn't I be?

Glo: We've all been through a lot lately. You've lost Chewie and you found out so much stuff about your dad. He's on the run. I've been checking on you, but I feel like you're avoiding me. Are we good?

Miss M: Of course we're good. I've just been keeping to myself. This is really the first time I've been out since Chewie's memorial. Well, aside from taking my car into the shop. 

Glo: Oh, you found out what was wrong with it? What was the noise?

Miss M: A can of spray cheese under my seat.

Glo: (laughs) I can't with you. Girl, you and those mukbangs.

Miss M: I know. Remember that seven deadly sins photo shoot I did for that college art class, and they made me pose as the sin of gluttony? And I was pissed because I wanted to be lust?

Glo: (laughs) I remember.

Miss M: Turns out they knew me better than I knew myself.

Glo: You are a mess. Ok, well, we still need to plan a lunch or something. 

Miss M: We will. I just need to feel more like myself. But we will soon, I promise.

Sydney: Bruce, I've been thinking about going on a trip. Really interested in visiting a winery, but I have no clue where to go. You have any recommendations?

 

Alf: Ya know Syd, I have some recommendations.

Sydney: Alf, you know I can't get to Melmac.

Alf: Best wine in the solar system.

Sydney: (groans playfully) Bruce, help!

Bruce Wayne: There are many places I could point you to, but my favorite is in Tuscany Valley in California. Falcon Crest Winery. 

Sydney: Oh I think I read about them. That sounds fabulous.

Alf: After you visit there, I'm telling ya, you have to go to Melmac. I'll take you there on my Warp I. 

Sydney: (rolls eyes) Oh Alf.

Dick Tracy: Hey doll. Feel like I haven't spent much time with you tonight.

Miss M: Well we've just been busy little social butterflies.

Dick Tracy: It's been nice to laugh a little after everything. 

Miss M: Yes. I agree. I still can't believe everything that has happened these past couple of weeks.

Dick Tracy: Ya know M, you can talk to me if you need to.

Miss M: I know, but you've got your own stuff going on. You've been busy wrapping up everything at Club Ritz. (pauses) Trying to find my dad. Your job is never done.

Dick Tracy: Well yes, but it doesn't mean I can't devote my time to you too. You're important to me. I just wish I had told you everything I knew sooner. I could have prevented some of this chaos.

Miss M: You can't think like that. It does none of us any good.

Dick Tracy: I hear that but you know how it is. I just don't feel it yet. (pauses) What's say we hop outta here and maybe go to your place?

Miss M: (jumps) Oh no, we can't go to my place.

Dick Tracy: Oh?

Miss M: (panics) It's just such a mess there. I had this freak accident with Yvie's kinetic sand. Everything looks like a desert level in a Mario game.

Dick Tracy: What? That sounds crazy. Do you need help cleaning?

Miss M: (shakes head quickly) What? No! I'm good. I'm just waiting for it to all just form back together. I don't know how that stuff works.

Dick Tracy: Ok, well, we can go to my place.

Miss M: Actually, I have been feeling a little low energy on the social battery front. This was a fun night, but I think for tonight I just need to get back home and rest some. 

Dick Tracy: (looks sad) I understand. I love you. 

Miss M: (feels incredibly guilty) I love you too.

A little later on, Miss M returns home, back in the outfit she left in.

Big Boy Caprice: Hey. How was everybody?

Miss M: I can't talk about it.

Big Boy Caprice: What do you mean?

Miss M: I don't even know how I am going to do this! I can't look at my friends and my boyfriend in the face. Every moment I want to scream the truth to them. 

Big Boy Caprice: About me?

Miss M: Yes dad! You have put me in an impossible situation! I did a quick change and wore a different outfit to the party for fear they'd smell the sugo and meatballs that Itchy was cooking and become suspicious! I'm becoming a criminal!

Big Boy Caprice: You're not a criminal baby. You're just helping me out while I get this sorted out. You're being a good daughter.

Miss M: What I am is a fool. I should have called the police the moment you showed up at my door.

Big Boy Caprice: It's not safe right now. It's better with me here. 

Miss M: A risk I should take!

Big Boy Caprice: You don't mean that. For all my faults, I'm still your dad. 

Miss M: (eyes well up) I'm aware.

M's phone rings.

Miss M: Be quiet. (answers phone on speaker) Hello?

???: Hi, this is Steve from the Cheers Bar. Am I speaking with Miss M?

Miss M: Yes.

Steve: Great. Sorry for calling like this, but I have a patron here who has had a little bit too much to drink and they said to call you, that you could help take them home.

Miss M: What?! Oh my goodness, ok, yes I am on my way.

Big Boy Caprice: What are you doing? You're not thinking about going to this bar are you? It could be a trap from one of my enemies.

Miss M: I doubt it dad. Some of my friends were going out for drinks afterwards, something could have happened. They need me.

Big Boy Caprice: (yells) Hey Itch! I need your help. We got a situation.

Moments later at the Here's Cheers bar.

Steve: Hi, how can I help you?

Miss M: Are you Steve? We just spoke on the phone. I'm Miss M.

Steve: Oh yeah. Thanks for coming in. She just stepped away to the restroom. I'm so glad you're here.

Miss M: Yeah, I don't quite understand. What has happened?

Steve: I can't serve her anymore, she's had a lot to drink and she certainly can't drive. Lady said she knew you. I was hoping you could take care of her.

Miss M: Ok. Did she tell you her name?

Steve: Nah, but here she comes.

Miss M turns towards the sound of expensive heels tapping across the bar's floor.

Miss M: (gasps in shock) Oh. My. Gawd. That's my mother.

Cruella: Bartender, your restrooms in this establishment are filthy. Therefore I am requesting a discount on my next martini. (pauses as she notices M) Oh hello dear. Care for a drink?

Up Next!

A family affair!