The Place

Assume a world where magic and technology are mixed together indiscriminately, forging a reality that involves numerous touches of our own.  Toss in more species than just humanity and postulate no genocidal wars (at least that anyone is admitting to).  Now, place it all at… a college.  Add just a slightly excessive touch of silliness, and there you are.

The Participants

Me:  		That guy!  With the stuff!  Does the thing!
Tojin:	The provider of the questions via email.
Maxine:	Our interviewee.  Also roomie of Loonie the rabbit girl.

Comments contained herein reference the first Balloon Nut interview.  Please review in case of confusion.
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INTERVIEW 2
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Maxine slouches into the interviewing room in a somewhat disreputable look, her svelte form enveloped within baggily disheveled blue jeans and a voluminous white wool sweater that starts roughly at her hips, piles up in lush turtle-neck formation by her ears, and has sleeves long enough to conceal her fingertips.  Scuffed tennis shoes poke out from the underside of rolled up cuffs.  Thick shoulder length hair of jet-black hue adorns the top of her head, held back out of her eyes in her standard pony tail.  The mouse has definitely gone casual today.

When she sees who it is, she visibly perks up, cobalt eyes widening with pleasure.  "Hey there!"  Pulling back a long sleeve from over her left paw, she waves cheerfully, and fwumps down into the leather interviewing chair with a gleeful lack of decorum.

ME: "Good heavens, Maxine!  What happened to your hair?" 

Maxine's obviously been waiting for this question.  Her smile grows broad enough to dimple cheeks and wrinkle the nose as she reaches up and runs her paws through the ebon of her pony tail.  "You like?  I had it dyed for New Years.  Went to New York for December 31, then it was off to Europe with mom and dad for a week, so I wanted a change before I left.  Lots of furs seem to like it."

ME:  "Oh, it's not bad at all.  Just unexpected."

The giggle escapes her once again.  "That's the point!  It was such a big change, what with the year rolling over, that I thought I ought to change a bit with it.  It'll grow out brown again sooner or later, but for now I've got that dark n' dangerous thing going."  She gives her viewers a sultrily heavy-lidded gaze, fluttering her eyelashes outrageously, and then collapses back in the chair, chortling with glee.

"So," she manages to get out after she gets herself under control.  "Tojin's got a few more questions, I take it?  Or did you just call me in here for my sparkling personality?"

ME:  "Just a few more questions, smartass!"

Maxine grins as she draws her legs up onto the chair, completely unrepentant.  "Fire away!" 

>>>First of all, apologies for the unlucky "our audience."<<<

Maxine fakes a surly grumble under her breath, then laughs.  "No problem!  Hey, I never minded an audience, which is something that drives Loonie slightly nuts.  She's more private than I am, so sometimes my willingness to do stuff in public shocks her."

>>>Next, of course, thanks for your collaboration: Seritaph as the host, and Maxine as... well, as the living subject of the interview!<<<

"Oh stop!"  Maxine puts both paws to her cheeks and simpers outrageously, batting her big eyes again.  "I'm blushing!  Ah, my public; they love me."  Sliding back to a more horizontal position in the chair, she waves a languid paw in the air.  "T’was a lot of fun to do!  Anytime you got questions, I got answers."  

>>>- You were born in the 80’s, what was your childhood like?<<<

Maxine oohs, ears tilting forward as she hears the question.  “Woah, someone who doesn’t question my age!  Everyone tends to think I’m a bit younger, since I’m so short.”

"As to what my childhood was like, it can probably be summed up as 'crowded'.  Are you from a big family?  If not, it's a bit hard to describe.  The best comparison is to imagine what life would be like if you had three moms and dads, and all your best friends lived in the same house you did, and you were never allowed to be alone.  It might sound a bit depressing if you're a single child, but I wouldn't trade it for the world."

She pauses a moment to release a paw from the confines of her sleeve and scratches at the tip of her muzzle.  "Due to the parent’s jobs, we moved a lot when I was younger.  It probably helped us all focus on the family, since we didn't have a lot of time to make friends in the local neighborhoods."

"Getting in to high school changed all that, ‘tho!  Imagine; a room in the dorm I only had to share with one other person, and a bathroom that had more than one sink, shower, and everything!  I was in heaven."  Maxine grins.  "Most of us kids went on to college simply because we didn't want to move back home and go back on the morning bathroom schedule.  You missed your slot on that and you couldn't shower until noon!"

>>>- "Archeology"... How many moles and Gina Diggers' fans have you met there? :)<<<

Maxine rolls her eyes slightly.  "It's not quite as action packed as Fred Perry's comic would lead you to believe, unfortunately.  Way back when Jurassic park first came out there was a big influx of students interested in dinosaurs, from what I hear, but it's sometimes reeeeally boring digging up itty bitty ancient bones!  Most movie fans jump in, then jump out when they realize what it's truly like."

"There aren't as many moles as you would think in the field.  Most of them like to dig fast and furious, while archeology requires a lot of slow and careful effort.  You wouldn't think it by looking at them, but the typical mole's too impatient for that sorta thing.  They prefer construction -subways and the like- a bunch more."

She continues on in a lecturing tone.  "Some of the best archaeologists out there are actually desert pack rats."  She preens a bit, looking slightly smug.  "Relatives of mine, you know.  Not only are they naturally inclined towards digging, but genetically they just enjoy discovering discarded stuff.  But listen to me!  I'm starting to sound like I'm giving a presentation in class.  Other questions?"

>>>- You used the word "hyperactive" when describing your feelings when a balloon pops. Is it just an overload of adrenaline in your blood?<<<

A gentle shiver works its way across Maxine's ears, and her tailtip visibly vibrates a few moments later as the sensation continues its path down her back.  "Adrenaline's part of it," she confesses, "But as you can see even the thought of balloons makes me quiver.  At first I suppose it was out and out fear.  I didn't _like_ those things popping in my face!  After a while it became more of an excitement."  She rubs her jaw absently, knuckles hidden in her sweater, then smiles ruefully.  "You can tell when I'm really excited because my teeth chatter.  Loonie and a few of my boyfriends who were willing to try inflation do that to me every time."

>>>- Very graphic description of your first orgasm; but, well, I'm not a licensed psychologist, so please don't give so many detail next time... However, I'll say the word with you, as you asked: "Oooooorgasm".<<<

Maxine's laugh peals out.  "I'm sorry," she manages to get out before she starts giggling again.  "Didn't mean to bury you under all that info!  I can just see how wide your eyes must have gotten reading that part!"  She mutes herself by wrapping one of her elongated sleeves around her nose for a moment.  "Yes, you said it very well.  Just rolls right off your tongue!"

>>>- About your favorite "normal" activities, you just mentioned the outdoors ones; does this mean that you get bored at home? Don't you like films, comics, cartoons or Animanga? If you do, which ones do you like?<<<

"Oh, I watch everything!"  A thoughtful expression steals across the mouse’s face.  "Come to think of it, I used to watch more television at home than I do now.  That's due to all the schoolwork and the fact that Loonie's exercising keeps me busier than I used to be."

"Never collected films and comics, although I'll mooch and read or watch it!  I find myself drawn towards the bigger prestige and hardcover format comics, since it's always fun to see how they do the color art in those.  One of my favorite books is Shirow's "Interon Depot," which is one of the very few 'coffee table' style books I've ever saved up to purchase.  I also went out and bought Adam Warren's 'Dirty Pair' series.  As far as movies go, I'm kinda into science fiction and drama."

ME:  "What, no comedy?"

Maxine considers.  "What, life's not funny enough on its own?"  She grins.  "Oh, I'll watch any sitcom that comes along, but given a choice I'll go after something else."

ME:  "What about reading?"

"Reading?!?  I'm in college!" Maxine replies amusedly.  "It's all textbooks.  When I used to have time to do it, sci-fi and fantasy were my thing.  Alan Dean Foster is one of my faves.  He might have plot holes you can drive a truck through, but it's all so much fun to read!"

>>>- "Sexy surrender"...  Care to elaborate?<<<

A single raised eyebrow is the only sign of Maxine's reaction to this as she cogitates for a moment.  Suddenly she slides down out of the chair with a sinuous twist, depositing herself neatly on her knees.  "Take me, Tojin!" she squeaks, eyes twinkling merrily.  "Take me now!"

ME:  "You're going to make him think you're not taking him seriously."

"Can't have that!" the mouse replies as she climbs back into her seat.  "Seriously, Tojin.  Depending on what folks have in mind to do to me, I'm more than up for it!  I'd love to be most anyone’s balloon mouse for a while!  Or perhaps you were thinking of me in some interestingly snug clothing?  I'm flexible!  I also whine, moan, and complain on demand if wanted to.  I've noticed some inflation episodes are more amusing if the inflatee's doing that."

ME:  "Might want to think twice about that, Tojin.  When she gets to fussing she can go on for hours.  I suggest a gag."

"Hey, no comments from the peanut gallery!" Maxine grouses.  "I'm sure he could come up with ways of keeping me quiet all on his lonesome!"

>>>- You liked my picture *blush* ... What would you ask to have drawn if you had the chance?<<<

"Ooo!"  Maxine suddenly stops, looking puzzled.  "Y'know, I've never been asked that before.  I honestly don't know what to request."  She humms to herself for a moment, looking slightly mystified.  "Oh, I know!  Howsabout one like that puffko one John Barrett did? [Available through the VCL.]  I'd love to see myself blown up with a bigass, legs, and shoulders like that."

>>>- An unexpected question: after inflating, how do you deflate?<<<

"'S a good question, actually."  She steeples her fingers in front of her nose, elbows on her armrests.  "Typically it depends on how I got inflated in the first place.  Sometimes -especially the first few times it happened- I had to wait for it to subside naturally over a period of time."  She suddenly smirks in remembrance.  "Once I had to visit the folks while still sporting a triple-D cup.  They were too polite to ask, although I could tell mom was just dying to know what was up."

"Nowadays we've got a few deflation formulas stashed about the apartment.  They work better for me than Loonie, but then again she is the one who was cursed.  I tend to get off easy."

>>>- Do you break or rip your clothing when you inflate, or you care about keeping it intact?<<<

Maxine oogs as the question is read to her, placing paws on her stomach and moaning theatrically.  "Do you have any idea how strong the seams are on a pair of jeans?  They'll strangle my butt before they pop!  If it's not spandex or something like underwear, I won't try to rip out of it.  Too much work!"

"It should also be noted I'm a cheap mouse," she points out.  "Don't wanna have to buy all new underwear every two weeks if I don't have to!  O'course if I'm being forcibly inflated, all bets are off.  It's hard to get your clothing off when you're swelling up, so sometimes I just have to ride it out and buy new stuff afterwards."

>>>- Another question about clothes: what do you wear when you aren't at gymnasium, skirt or pants?<<<

Maxine's paws come down on her denim covered thighs in response.  "Hey, pants are fine by me!  I will wear skirts for more formal occasions or when it's really hot out, but normally when I'm dressing down pants or shorts are my choice."

"Heh," she leans forward, smirking.  "Every so often I've been known to wear miniskirts, mostly for stunning the occasional date.  Believe you me, those are dangerous to inflate in!  They let everyone see everything..." She blushes a bit at the memory.

>>>- You're true: fetishes are always hobbies...<<<

"If they weren't, there would be some interesting job markets out there!"

>>>- So you worked as a clown for children parties. Let me tell you that I can't imagine you dressed like Krusty [The clown of Simpson’s fame], with that horrible make-up.<<<

"Bleagh!  Krusty's face would be a terrible make up job for me!"  Maxine shakes her head violently.  "That much greasepaint makeup would take forever to put on, and even longer to get rid of!  It just doesn't work as well with fur.  No, no; my makeup was much more refined."

"What I had was based around my nose."  She taps herself on the muzzle tip.  "I'd put on this big red fake schnoz over my own, followed by white and red makeup around my lips so I could make exaggerated expressions.  On each cheek I had this red disk with fur tacky velcro on the back to keep it there.  Gave me a rosy complexion and when I smiled it was really obvious.  My eyes would get the most makeup."  She cups her eyes, for all the world looking like she's peering through binoculars.  "Imagine the most eyeshadow you've ever seen.  That was me!  I'd also have these big fake eyelashes and fake overdone eyebrows."

"With all that on, I could really do a mime act!"  She pantomimes being in an invisible box just slightly bigger than her chair, overemphasizing various looks of surprise, panic, and then glee as she finds a doorknob and opens it.

>>>- A 3 ft sausage balloon in just a breath? Congratulations!
How many breaths do you need for inflating a 3 ft spherical balloon? The geometrical volume of a 3 ft sphere, 4/3*3*3*3*3,1415... cubic feet divided between blablablah...<<<

"Um...  Many more?" She grins ebulliently.  "What, I'm not a physics major!  But I do have a big set of lungs."  She suddenly huffs in, inhaling until her cheeks are taut.  Whatever increase there is in the size of her torso is invisible under the heavy layers of her sweater, however.  A few moments pass.

Me:  "Um, Maxine?"

"Pwooooof!"  She gasps for a moment.  "Used to be able to do that for a lot longer when I was doing the clown job, but I guess when you're practicing blowing up balloons every day, you build up stamina fast."
 
>>>- I guess who was your balloon bunny! Her name begins "Loo" and ends "nie" ^_^<<<

"Bingo!  Yer good.  Either that or I'm just that talented at making balloon animals!"

>>>- Don't worry, I won't tell Loonie about your surprise... Next time, why don't you try something simpler, just like stuffing two balloons into your shirt?<<<

"Or into her shirt, whichever!  I'll keep it in mind.  In fact..."

Leaning over the side of the chair, Maxine rummages through the bag of balloons hanging from one armrest.  After picking and discarding several possibilities, she comes up with two ivory lumps of latex that appear to be fairly substantial.  Giggling, she gets to her feet, prepping the balloons with dexterous fingers.  "Hold on a moment..."  Turning her back on us for a moment, she unbuckles her belt and tucks in her sweater, rebuttoning her pants as she turns back.

"Right, this one's got a bit of room to grow!"  With that she pulls her left arm up one of the sleeves and into the inside of her sweater.  Lifting the neckline up over her muzzle, she winks at us and starts to puff away inside her shroud.  After a few moments a definite bulge can be made out in the front.  Soon it rounds out and pushes her top forward, straightening out the wrinkles in the cloth.

The squeaking of a balloon being tied shut echoes for a moment, and then the mouse begins to huff and puff again, quickly balancing out the twin spheres within her shirt.  Struggling for a moment from the increased tension on the fabric, she gets her arm back into her sleeve.  "Ta-daaaa!"

Maxine's formerly shapeless shirt now juts out underneath her chin, twin beachball sized protuberances squeaking as she breathes.  Together the big balloons are almost as large as the rest of her upper torso, and she cuts a rather bizarre looking figure.

ME:  "Very nice, Maxine."

"I aim to please," she replies, hefting her new bosom upwards until it bumps her chin.  "I can even act with these things.  Watch!"

Suddenly Maxine's eyebrows shoot up and she assumes a wild expression of surprise, mouth pursed in a moue.  "Oh no!" she cries, obviously overacting for all she's worth.  "I'm blowing up like a balloon!"  As she says this she tilts backwards, thrusting her chest skyward until the balloons obscure all but her eyes.  The grand finale is a bit of a let down as she overbalances and flops back into the chair, her sweater riding up around her ears as the balloons shift.  She has to wrestle with them for a moment before she can talk again.

"Well..." she smirks.  "Give me a bit more set up time and I'll probably be able to manage something a bit more elaborate.  But right now if there aren't any more questions I'm going to go abuse these balloons some and get my homework done.  Anything else?"

ME:  "Seems to be about it.  Until next time!"