The Market
FRICTION PRESS is starting a new event! With itchio no longer supporting explicit queer works, author Roo put together a wonderful team of people to offer a new model of bundle to support artists of taboo works via a virtual pop-up market! Our admin team consists of:
- Roo (project lead)
- Nero (web lead)
- Puck (visual lead)
- Vert (server lead)
- Beleghir (number lead)
The Market is designed to give the same benefits of an itchio bundle (customers get to buy a BUNCH of awesome art for deep bundle discounts, and artists will share the profits!) with the added bonus of attending a virtual pop-up market where you can connect with the authors and artists who you are supporting, find new creators you love, find works that REALLY cater to your needs, and connect with your community in a place that values discretion.
About Don & Hardy
Don
Owner and operator of Don's Dead Market. Boss and caretaker of Hardy. Generous and diligent, Don has been running the market for some time now. He enjoys his time interacting with customers, recommending products, and divining their desires so that he can give them the perfect experience. The only customer Don couldn't ever please was himself, but all that changed with Hardy! If Don isn't behind the register talking up his customers, he's on the porch with a glass of something ice-cold watching the cars go by with Hardy on his lap.
Following a long trial-and-error period, Don hired Hardy full time to help run the market and to take the spare room in his house. They've been inseparable ever since, a family of two that can weather any storm.
Strengths
- BBQ
- Guessing people's needs
- Punctuality
Weaknesses
- Workaholic
- Hardy
Likes
- A warm meal
- A cold drink
- Sneaking up behind Hardy to grab him and lift him up in the air
- Deep tissue massage
Dislikes
- Problems he can't solve
- Anyone being mean to Hardy
- Food going to waste
What's your relationship to Hardy?
Hardy's family. His dad wasn't doing right by him, so when Hardy showed up on my doorstep, I didn't hesitate to take him in. Of course, I didn't recognize him at first, but that's the kind of trick Hardy likes to play. I got him back for it eventually. As long as Hardy's happy, I'm happy.
What's your favorite part of working at the market?
Sometimes customers come back just to say that they loved what I recommended. Nothing beats it. Or when someone tells me what a beauty Hardy is. You should see him when he turns bright red.
What's your favorite part of the weekend?
I never really had weekends 'til Hardy showed up, so I'm still learning, but now I don't think I can give up all that quality time with my favorite employee.
Are you single?
I got my hands plenty full keeping Hardy fed and running the shop, but I'm flattered you asked.
Hardy
Fuel & vehicle specialist at Don's Dead Market. Employee and ward of Don. Sharp-eyed and slippery, Hardy has only been working at the market for a short time, but he blends right in. Hardy knows cars the way Don knows people, and he makes no effort to hide his preference for rumbling engines over conversation, though he makes an exception for Don. If Hardy isn't in the garage working on a car, he's sitting on the counter of the market while Don talks up a customer, or perched on the arm of Don's rocking chair.
After Hardy's dad kicked him out, Hardy showed up at Don's and spent two weeks buying, trying, and returning products before Don figured out what it was that Hardy really needed. Hiring Hardy allowed Don to expand his fuel station into a garage where Hardy could fix up people's cars and convince them to buy a new treat at the market while they waited.
Strengths
- Fixing anything with a motor
- Speed
- Haggling
Weaknesses
- Sleeping in too late
- Don
Likes
- Don's cooking
- The heat
- Porn
- Long hair
Dislikes
- The cold
- Anyone else being too nice to Don
- Wearing too much clothing
What's your relationship to Don?
He's the only family I have as far as I'm concerned. He makes sure I'm never hungry. I convinced him to close on the weekends so he could spend more time with m- more time not thinking about work! I don't need anyone else now.
What's your favorite part of working at the market?
When I figure out what's wrong with a car that needs fixing. That, and Don lets me try out new products so I can give customers first-hand reviews.
What's your favorite part of the weekend?
Convincing Don to take a bath so I can wash his hair. Only I'm allowed to.
How old are you?
Are you a cop?