[OPEN]

[terrantrash]

Who: Slaine Troyard (terrantrash) & YOU
What: Slaine's got a new, more domestic job, working at an orphanage. Taking care of kids is a lot harder than he thought, not to mention shopping for diapers is embarrassing.
When: June
Where: Around Olympia, at one of the orphanages.
Warning(s): N/A



PLAYGROUND GAMES

<sub>[It's definitely not a job he ever saw himself fulfilling, but ever since Mikazuki more or less forbade him from returning to the Institute, Slaine's been doing his best to settle into a new, domestic role. The orphanage the martian had suggested he apply to had welcomed him with open arms, desperate for younger workers to help out. It isn't a very big building and it doesn't house too many children, but there's a big enough gated yard outside for them to play in that Slaine can only hope doesn't feel too restrictive. As someone who grew up without playmates his age he finds it hard at first to relate to the wild, fantastical games they want him to play with them. Luckily though for Slaine his imagination helps bridge the gap and once he'd managed to get over his self-consciousness, he'd thrown himself right into their make-believe worlds.

It's funny, how much the kids seem to gravitate toward him. Even the more quiet, shy residents will go out of their way sometimes to take up a spot beside him if he's got a book ready for storytime. Currently Slaine's out in the yard, dressed casually with a half apron tied around his waist. He seems to be running away from a small hoard of little children of various races (some have fangs or pointed ears or horns on display) only to dramatically throw himself up against the metal fencing of the yard. He'd agreed to play 'capture the wyvern' and it's clear from the shouts of the kids that he's clearly their prey.]</sub>

Ah-! Help!

_{[It might seem like he's calling out to whoever's on the street walking by to save him from the rascals but the shout isn't directed really at anyone specific. Not that one couldn't mistake his cry for help as genuine.]}

BABIES R US

<sub>[This is definitely not a shopping trip Slaine ever thought he'd have to embark on. Armed with a list of various items he has to pick up for the youngest members of the orphanage, Slaine's basket is already filled with various baby paraphernalia. There are bibs, diapers and even bottles shoved into his basket, as he stares down a wall of various baby formula mixtures. Who knew infants could be so complicated? How was he supposed to choose the right one?

If he notices you passing by he'll call out to you timidly, gesturing to the formula behind him. Slaine definitely looks too young to be a dad just yet, so he's well aware his little shopping trip is probably raising a few eyebrows.]</sub>

Um...you wouldn't happen to know the difference between these, would you? I'm not really sure which is the best to get...

WILDCARD

_{[Slaine can be found working at the orphanage in Olympia with a smile on his face, either playing with the kids in the yard or reading to them under a tree. It's probably the happiest he's looked in awhile for those that know him. He can also always be caught leaving the place in the evening after his shift is over or out pushing a pram with two interesting looking toddlers strapped inside, one with purple skin and tiny horns, the other pale with pointed ears and silvery hair. Hit me up with whatever and I'll work with it or I can start something as well!]}

Comments

[terrantrash]

...Oh.

_{[That's...pretty surprising? All things considered it's not the answer Slaine was expecting but it's a nice one none the less. There's still a look on Slaine's face, but it's softened into something sweeter, if not a little coy.]}

I didn't know you liked to play the part of a guardian angel.

[meinwaifu]

[Huh. So Slaine can make faces like that too...]

[It's hardly the first time he's been called a "guardian angel" by someone, but it is the first time that it's not exactly untrue.]

Well, I have been called an angel before by humans. Watching over mankind has always been one of the greatest joys in my life-- though it's a bit rare that I would do so with the intent of intervening should an individual require protection.

[terrantrash]

_{[Slaine can make a lot of faces, Mephisto, his genuine smile being one of the nicest to witness.]}

It must be like watching one giant soap opera. _{[How awful.]} ...I appreciate it though, thank you.

[meinwaifu]

...you hardly need to thank me. I would think it's the least I could do after how much I've troubled you in the past.

[Nevermind that he was basically doing the same thing he is now, just in addition to the whole violation of privacy thing. He made a pretty good guard dog.]

[Really, it's ironic that his desire to protect him and Yona is what ultimately led to him losing his place among them... perhaps that's why he finds himself feeling such strong gratitude towards Slaine, for not outright rejecting him after everything fell apart.]

[terrantrash]

_{[Slaine isn't one to reject others easily, especially after suffering from a lifetime of chronic rejection himself. Even though Mephisto had done him wrong, the only real harm he'd done to him was leave him with an overwhelming feeling of embarrassment. Worse things had been done to him, after all. He could look past what Mephisto had done, especially after he'd more or less apologized for it.]}

It's in the past now. What's important is what we're all striving toward.

[gekkajuu]

Hi~! I'm Atsushi.

[... Okay, Slaine already said that. But it still seems polite to introduce himself, too - so that's what he does, with a little wave. The girl doesn't seem all that reassured, though.]

Let's see... Oh! I have something for you. [He selects one of his bags, and holds it out to the girl (though Slaine is free to accept it instead, of course). He got some snacks for everyone at furry mansion, but... the kids here will enjoy them more. RIP Atsushi's stomach.] Can you give this to all your friends?

[nevernoaction]

Hmmm. I would probably go with whatever has the most amount of nutrients to help the babies grow.

[A quite sensible answer, even if it meant it might not taste the best.]

[terrantrash]

<sub>[It's true she doesn't seem that reassured at first, but once the bag is offered as tribute she seems to brighten up and reach for it. Pulling it toward herself she nods, having extracted herself from Slaine's leg completely. Atsushi'll get a smile before she looks up at Slaine for reassurance.

Can I go share it with everyone Slaine?]</sub>

Of course you can, but say thank you first.

_{[Which she does after a moment before running off to share her newfound loot with the others.]}

You didn't have to do that, Atsushi...

[meinwaifu]

[It is in the past, isn't it? Even after all his time here without his powers, it was strange getting used to the idea of time functioning linearly. As the king of time, the past, present, and future all felt as one to him, in a way.]

I couldn't have said it better myself. And whether or not you can see the destination that lies ahead, from the looks of it, I'd say you've chosen a rather solid path to get there.

[Even accounting for Asseylum's added presence in his life, there's no doubting that Slaine certainly seems to be in a better place right now. Not that he really had anywhere to go but up from their last chat...]

[But whether it be because of their talking or just deciding nap time is over, one of the toddlers shifts and starts to wake up -- the purple one with horns first, fidgeting as if he wants to get out.]

[terrantrash]

I don't really know what I'm doing with my life anymore...

_{[The fussing has Slaine's attention shifting from Mephisto to the fussy kid who seems to want nothing to do with being stuck in the pram. Little arms reach out and Slaine moves to pick him up. It's clear he's gotten the hang of it, scooping the toddler up to hold him against his chest, giving his back a little pat. The child seems to settle, tucking himself into Slaine's neck.]}

...but I can't really complain about where I am right now.

[meinwaifu]

...you and me both, honestly.

[Look the demon can be honest sometimes!!]

[But while Slaine has one toddler in his arms successfully soothed, the other starts to stir awake as well. But unlike the first, who probably gave Mephisto only a cursory glance before focusing on Slaine, this one opens her eyes and stares right at Mephisto.]

[And as she stares, very suddenly, her eyes go wide and she starts to wail, crying as she flails and yells out the words "scary" and "monster".]

[terrantrash]

<sub>[Slaine looks very lost because that's exactly what he is. Overwhelmed by the sheer choice that's provided, he's more than happy to turn toward the gentle voice if it'll provide him some semblance of guidance.

Ah...she certainly looks...different.

Sorry Mipha, Slaine is going to stare for a hot second before shaking himself out of it.]</sub>

I didn't even realize there were so many different types to begin with...as far as I'm aware they don't have any dietary restrictions or issues?

[terrantrash]

Really?

_{[Well at least he's not that out of the loop. Then again this is A2 (who he's surprised to see, honestly, it's been awhile) and she was an android. Why would an android know anything about human infants?]}

It's a milk substitute for human babies. Until they're a certain age humans can only drink milk, like most mammals.

[terrantrash]

_{[That...actually makes a lot of sense. There's a soft laugh at the and we he gets. Why hasn't he thought of that?]}

You're right. That would probably be the best approach.

[fisherwife]

[Mipha waits patiently for the shock to pass, her smile encouraging. It's okay!! She's used to this!!

At the explanation, Mipha nods with a thoughtful hum, examining the formula again herself.] If there's nothing wrong, then this brand would work nicely. [It's a bit pricey, but most baby things are, and thankfully it's not nearly as pricey as the specialty formula.]

How much will you need?

[terrantrash]

<sub>[The reaction has Slaine taken aback as the girl goes off and begins to cry, panicked as if she's just seen something horrifying. It's doesn't...really make any sense, especially when Mephisto looks less strange than the baby he's got in his arms currently.

Well...time to switch them out. The one in his arms seems settled enough that he quickly places him back inside the pram, only to pluck the girl out to hold her. Gently he bounces her, a hand to the back of her head as he does his best to be reassuring.]</sub>

Hey, hey...it's okay, it's okay...shhh...there aren't any monsters here. You don't have to cry.

[meinwaifu]

[The girl only seems more terrified to be pulled out at first, but then quickly clings to Slaine, burying her face into his chest as she sobs.]

[But beside him, Mephisto takes a brief glance over his shoulder before taking a step back.]

Ah... my apologies. I didn't mean to frighten her. It hasn't been much of an issue here, with how diverse this world is, so I forget just how perceptive children can be around demons.

She must be able to see what I really look like.

[terrantrash]

_{[The hand from the child's head slides gently down to rest on her back as he pats it gently, in an attempt to soothe her and get her to stop crying.]}

What you really look like...?

_{[All Slaine can see is a middle-aged guy with a bad fashion sense. Sure, that'd be terrifying to some but not enough to cry over.]}

[atwo]

So they're no different to sheeps? That's interesting...

What are you going to do with them? [ it isn't slaine can have children of his own. can he? that would be odd. ]

[nevernoaction]

I've cooked for groups of people before.

[Especially ones that ate poorly, Nora. To stop himself from dwelling on his sleeping friends, Ren takes a look at a few containers and picks out the one that does have what appears to work the best.]

Are you taking care of someone's children?

[gekkajuu]

You're welcome~!

[Ah... No wonder Slaine likes working here. Atsushi doesn't think he'd be suited for the work, himself, but it's still nice to connect with these kids, if only for a second.

Standing again, he wipes the wrinkles out of his clothes.]

It's nothing! Actually, I'm glad to help. I know what it's like to live in an orphanage, so...

[Of course, this place isn't as horrible as his own orphanage was, but some things are still the same, he suspects. Rich orphanages don't exist.]

[meinwaifu]

Perhaps "see" is the wrong word. It's a bit difficult to describe, but oftentimes, children and animals are capable of sensing the true nature of a demon, even if they're disguised within their own vessel. Admittedly, it's not the first time a child has been afraid of me for such a reason.

[He could probably try and hide his aura a little better.]

[Or he could just snap his fingers and disappear in a poof of smoke.]



[Only to reappear as a dog. Right away, the girl in Slaine's arms seems to calm down.]

[Well-- aside from the fact that she's going to be very excited about the puppy once she sees him.]

...but in a form like this, my aura is almost completely masked. Even an exorcist would have trouble figuring out whether I'm a demon or just a simple dog.

[terrantrash]

I prefer your actual form over this one.

<sub>[Annnd...he's a dog again. As much as Mephisto's canine form triggers him now, he can't deny the girl he's been trying to calm down seems to relax and stop crying. All Mephisto will get initially is a raised brow before Slaine's attention is temporarily focused entirely on the girl in his arms.

Drying her tears with the end of his sleeve, she seems to cheer up when she catches sight of the "puppy", arms suddenly outstretched in an attempt to get at the furry creature.]</sub>

She wants to pet you.

_{[Why this.]}

[terrantrash]

Well they're a bit different from sheep...

_{[In many, many ways. Sure humans and sheep are both mammals but Slaine can think of a few immediate differences off the top of his head.]}

But when it comes to what their young feed off yes, they're no different.

_{[The question that comes next catches Slaine off guard. What was he going to do with them?]}

The children? Take care of them. I work at an orphanage now so it's my job to make sure their needs are met. I'm not usually the one to buy supplies but the person who's job it is has been off sick lately so the responsibility fell to me.

[terrantrash]

_{[Thank god this fish lady seems to know what she's talking about...which is even weirder because fish don't drink milk. That's a conundrum to ponder about at a later time though. Whether Zora babies drink milk or not Slaine can find out another day.]}

Enough to feed five infants for at least two weeks.