Playtime

Mark whistled a cheerful tune as he strolled into the house after school, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder. It had been a good day—one of those rare ones where everything seemed to fall into place. He hadn’t even felt the urge to stop time and toy with anyone. Not that he’d abstain entirely, of course; he loved sampling the goods now and then, what with a major shopping trip for dolls happening soon. But with prom just two weeks away, he was saving his energy, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to add some fresh faces to his growing collection.

For now, he was perfectly content with his current dolls.

Closing and locking his bedroom door behind him, Mark felt a grin spread across his face as his gaze landed on Rae Tucker, Emily Mackenzie, and Phoebe Paige. The three girls stood motionless in front of his closet, their glassy-eyed stares directed into the void. He had posed them like this that morning before heading out, each adorned in carefully selected outfits he’d pilfered from their own wardrobes shortly after collecting them.

Rae wore a simple white t-shirt tucked into a flowing blue skirt, paired with strappy sandals that showed off her delicate feet. Emily sported a bright pink polka-dot blouse, denim shorts that showcased her long legs, and a pair of white sneakers. Phoebe, meanwhile, had a more playful vibe with her Ghostbusters t-shirt, casual black shorts, and well-worn Converse sneakers.

“You all look stunning,” Mark murmured, stepping closer to admire his handiwork. His tone was soft, almost affectionate, as though addressing cherished friends instead of frozen trophies. The girls, of course, stared back blankly, their expressions serene and carefree—just the way he liked them.

Mark approached Rae first, placing a hand on her waist and gently pulling her forward. Her body wobbled slightly on her stiffened legs, but he steadied her, guiding her to a new position across the room. “Let’s give you a new spot today,” he said, as though she could hear him. Once satisfied, he turned his attention to Emily. Moments later, he had her standing beside Rae, her rigid form swaying briefly as he adjusted her stance.

“OMG, isn’t being a frozen doll just the best?” Mark said in a playful falsetto, opening and closing Rae’s mouth to mimic her speaking.

“I know, right? No responsibilities, no worries—just pure, endless fun,” he replied in a higher-pitched voice, doing the same to Emily.

Laughing softly to himself, Mark positioned the two brunettes so that their hands were clasped together, their frozen fingers interlocking in a mock display of sisterly affection. He stepped back to admire his work before turning his attention to Phoebe.

“Now it’s your turn, my blonde beauty,” he said, slipping an arm around Phoebe’s waist and lifting her effortlessly off the ground. He carried her across the room with care, placing her beside the other two girls.

Mark stepped back, hands on his hips as he admired the three members of his collection, while the rest where at the safe house. These three were here today to play with, and with them he would.

“Well, ladies,” he said, his voice soft yet playful, “time for a little wardrobe adjustment.

He stepped up to Rae, his hands brushing against the fabric of her white t-shirt, hovering near her breasts for a moment. Mark couldn’t resist himself, and gave them a short squeeze. Rae simply stared back, not caring about the action.

Carefully, Mark lifted the hem of the shirt, and slipping it over Rae’s head, revealed her smooth pale skin beneath. Next came her blue skirt, which he eased down her legs, leaving her standing in a plain white bra and matching panties. Mark tilted his head, examining her frozen form like a sculptor admiring a statue. “Beautiful, as always,” he murmured before stepping back. Carefully, and he got down on one knee, and removed the frozen girls sandals, with her wobbling only a little bit, even as Mark held her in place.

Turning to Emily, Mark’s grin widened. “Alright, your turn, my favorite.” He unbuttoned her pink polka-dot blouse, sliding it off her shoulders before reaching for the waistband of her denim shorts. With a few gentle tugs, they slid down her toned legs, leaving her in a plain bra and panty set. Soon, he sneakers too are removed.

Finally, he approached Phoebe. The quirky blonde seemed to stare straight ahead with blank blue eyes, oblivious to everything as Mark reached for the hem of her Ghostbusters t-shirt. He peeled it off, revealing a black sports bra beneath. “Always the rebel,” he said with a smirk as he worked her shorts down, leaving her in a practical yet striking pair of black briefs once her shoes too are removed.

Stepping back, Mark took a moment to admire his handiwork. The three girls stood like mannequins in their underwear, their frozen forms in their prime. “Perfection,” he whispered, feeling a sense of pride welling up in his chest. He truly had given them freedom from everyday worries.

Mark circled his dolls, his eyes scanning every detail of their motionless forms. The room was silent except for the soft sound of his footsteps on the carpet as he moved between Rae, Emily, and Phoebe. Each girl’s unique beauty captivated him, and he couldn’t help but admire how different they all were, yet how perfectly they fit as a whole into his collection.

He reached out to Rae first, brushing a strand of her brown hair back into place. Her delicate features looked serene, her head tilted slightly as if lost in thought. Mark placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head upward, studying her expression. “You’re my dreamer,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “So peaceful, so perfect.”

Stepping behind her, he gently unhooked the clasp of her bra, sliding it off her shoulders and placing it neatly on the bed, and was soon joined by her panties. Her pale skin seemed to glow under the soft light of his room. “There we go,” he said softly, as though comforting her. “So much better.”

Next, he turned to Emily, the athletic brunette. Her toned frame stood in sharp contrast to Rae’s willowy figure, and Mark couldn’t resist running his hand lightly along her stomach, feeling the firmness of her muscles. “Always so strong, Emily,” he said with a smile. “Let’s see how you shine.” He reached around her back to unfasten her bra, slipping it off with the same deliberate care. Once done, he crouched down and ran his fingers lightly along the waistband of her panties, his eyes darting up to her frozen face. “Still so calm,” he murmured. “You’re amazing.” Then with a tug, he removed the garment as well.

Finally, he approached Phoebe. “And you,” Mark said, his tone playful, “are my little firecracker.” He took his time removing her sports bra, admiring the way her figure seemed to radiate energy even in her stillness. Her black briefs were next, and Mark handled them with the same precision he’d shown the others.

Once Phoebe was fully undressed, he stepped back, his gaze drifting between all three girls. “Now you’re all perfect,” he said, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction. The room seemed alive with their presence, though none of them moved, none of them responded.

Mark walked over to his dresser and pulled out a camera. Raising it to his eye, he began snapping photos, capturing the beauty of his collection from every angle. “These will be for me,” he said, smiling to himself. “A way to remember this moment.” Not that he needed it of course, they were his after all, and always would be.

After setting the camera aside, Mark began carefully folding the clothes he’d removed, stacking them neatly on his desk. He paused to glance at the trio again, his mind already buzzing with ideas for what to do next.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he walked over to Rae first. Her delicate features and slender frame captivated him as always, and he gently ran his hand along her arm. “Come here,” he said softly, though the words were only for himself. He slid his hands under her arms and lifted her effortlessly, marveling at how light she felt in his grasp. Carefully, he carried her to the bed and laid her down, arranging her arms and legs so she reclined naturally against the pillows. Her serene expression seemed to suit the pose perfectly. “So peaceful,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Turning back to the other two, Mark’s gaze landed on Emily next. He stepped behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders, and gently leaned her body forward until he could lift her off the floor. “You’re next,” he said with a quiet chuckle. Carrying the curly haired brunette to the bed, he placed her beside Rae, adjusting her so she sat upright, her legs crossed at the ankles and her arms resting lightly on her knees. “Strong and poised, as always.”

Finally, Mark approached Phoebe, the blonde with her rebellious aura practically radiating even in stillness. Her head tilted slightly to the side, as if she were lost in thought. Mark crouched in front of her, taking a moment to admire her mischievous expression. “Always the firecracker,” he said, smiling. He slipped an arm around her waist and lifted her into his arms, her body rigid but easy to carry. Placing her on the bed next to Emily, he leaned her back against the headboard, crossing her arms over her chest. “You look like you’re plotting something,” he teased, straightening a lock of her hair.

Mark stepped back to admire his work. The three girls looked like a tableau of living art, their unique personalities shining through even in their frozen stillness. Rae, the picture of elegance and serenity; Emily, exuding strength and confidence; and Phoebe, rebellious and vibrant.

He sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand over the blanket as his eyes lingered on each girl in turn. “You’re perfect,” he said softly. “All of you.” Reaching out, he gently took Rae’s hand and unzipped his pants.