…👋?

[notjusttheowls]

“And such, the purest beings born with hair aglow are most fit to please me” Azanoth Said

And so, The prophet Thomas Payton made his home into a sanctuary, and a place to grow his religion and its following.

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

Seeing her run, he couldn’t help think about when she would be older… and leave to be fully independent. That made him… sad.

He cleared his throat and followed after her. Marty and Vic were still next to each other, talking. Vic seemed to be showing off his own sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

He tugged on Marty’s coat, holding up her stolen goods with a grin

[mr-david-li]

“Oh shit. I mean… where’d you get that?”

He blushed. He felt like a child, himself, being catered to because of his huff.

“Bene! Bene! She returns successful!”

[notjusttheowls]

She made a shush motion, putting the carrots in his pocket

I no tell. You go through me.

[mr-david-li]

He rolled his eyes playfully.

“A real ‘dealer.’ Alright. I won’t pry… Thank you, Sophia.”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled a bit, giving Marty a quick hug

We friends again, ok?

[mr-david-li]

He hugged back.

“Of course we are! I never thought otherwise. I promise. I just… need to re-budget.”

[notjusttheowls]

For more carrot. Make strong. V-I-C say so.

She grins

[mr-david-li]

He smirked.

“He’s not wrong. Good for getting rid of this.”

He patted his stomach.

“And then we can hit the gym together!”

“I don’t know about that…”

[notjusttheowls]

She pat her own stomach, tilting her head

You got a baby in there???

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

Seeing her run, he couldn’t help think about when she would be older… and leave to be fully independent. That made him… sad.

He cleared his throat and followed after her. Marty and Vic were still next to each other, talking. Vic seemed to be showing off his own sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

He tugged on Marty’s coat, holding up her stolen goods with a grin

[mr-david-li]

“Oh shit. I mean… where’d you get that?”

He blushed. He felt like a child, himself, being catered to because of his huff.

“Bene! Bene! She returns successful!”

[notjusttheowls]

She made a shush motion, putting the carrots in his pocket

I no tell. You go through me.

[mr-david-li]

He rolled his eyes playfully.

“A real ‘dealer.’ Alright. I won’t pry… Thank you, Sophia.”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled a bit, giving Marty a quick hug

We friends again, ok?

[mr-david-li]

He hugged back.

“Of course we are! I never thought otherwise. I promise. I just… need to re-budget.”

[notjusttheowls]

For more carrot. Make strong. V-I-C say so.

She grins

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

Seeing her run, he couldn’t help think about when she would be older… and leave to be fully independent. That made him… sad.

He cleared his throat and followed after her. Marty and Vic were still next to each other, talking. Vic seemed to be showing off his own sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

He tugged on Marty’s coat, holding up her stolen goods with a grin

[mr-david-li]

“Oh shit. I mean… where’d you get that?”

He blushed. He felt like a child, himself, being catered to because of his huff.

“Bene! Bene! She returns successful!”

[notjusttheowls]

She made a shush motion, putting the carrots in his pocket

I no tell. You go through me.

[mr-david-li]

He rolled his eyes playfully.

“A real ‘dealer.’ Alright. I won’t pry… Thank you, Sophia.”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled a bit, giving Marty a quick hug

We friends again, ok?

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

Seeing her run, he couldn’t help think about when she would be older… and leave to be fully independent. That made him… sad.

He cleared his throat and followed after her. Marty and Vic were still next to each other, talking. Vic seemed to be showing off his own sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

He tugged on Marty’s coat, holding up her stolen goods with a grin

[mr-david-li]

“Oh shit. I mean… where’d you get that?”

He blushed. He felt like a child, himself, being catered to because of his huff.

“Bene! Bene! She returns successful!”

[notjusttheowls]

She made a shush motion, putting the carrots in his pocket

I no tell. You go through me.

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

Seeing her run, he couldn’t help think about when she would be older… and leave to be fully independent. That made him… sad.

He cleared his throat and followed after her. Marty and Vic were still next to each other, talking. Vic seemed to be showing off his own sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

He tugged on Marty’s coat, holding up her stolen goods with a grin

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He sighed and made a drinking motion

“Выпей это! Это поможет от обморожения”

[notjusttheowls]

Drink? She didn’t know this guy!

She pointed at him, holding the flask out, trying to make him drink first

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He rolled his eyes and took it back taking a gulp

“Вот! Ну, давай, пей”

Ethan handed it back

[notjusttheowls]

She took it, hesitant, but taking a slow drink

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He smiled

“Ага? Отлично!”

[notjusttheowls]

She stuck her tongue out and made a face. Why did it taste like that? It was yucky.

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Виски согревает и полезно для здоровья”

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what he was saying. And now she was getting overwhelmed. She tried to hand it back

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Ethan took back his drink with a smile

“Тебе стало лучше?”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia just shook her head again, flapping her hand a bit and closing her eyes

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

Of course, then, my dear. I’ll leave you to it.

He knew that kids needed their privacy, but he couldn’t help race his thoughts about if she would get hurt without supervision.

[notjusttheowls]

She smiled excitedly, then the elevator opened, and she ran to go find Marty

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[mr-david-li]

He perked up.

Oh- Really? You won’t want… me to watch?

[notjusttheowls]

Yes. I play alone. You fun, but I want alone.

She loved Li! But she had NOT had the time to play by herself in a while. Some of her toys were for playing alone.

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[mr-david-li]

He squeezed her tight, and cupped her head.

My dear. I am so very glad you are safe.

He retreated to the back of the elevator and closed the door to head back to the warehouse. Though, to be honest he could do for some time alone in his office, or let Sophia enjoy the carrots herself.

[notjusttheowls]

I give M-A-R-T-Y, then I go play by myself, ok??? I go to my room and play alone.

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He sighed and made a drinking motion

“Выпей это! Это поможет от обморожения”

[notjusttheowls]

Drink? She didn’t know this guy!

She pointed at him, holding the flask out, trying to make him drink first

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He rolled his eyes and took it back taking a gulp

“Вот! Ну, давай, пей”

Ethan handed it back

[notjusttheowls]

She took it, hesitant, but taking a slow drink

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He smiled

“Ага? Отлично!”

[notjusttheowls]

She stuck her tongue out and made a face. Why did it taste like that? It was yucky.

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Виски согревает и полезно для здоровья”

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what he was saying. And now she was getting overwhelmed. She tried to hand it back

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He sighed and made a drinking motion

“Выпей это! Это поможет от обморожения”

[notjusttheowls]

Drink? She didn’t know this guy!

She pointed at him, holding the flask out, trying to make him drink first

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He rolled his eyes and took it back taking a gulp

“Вот! Ну, давай, пей”

Ethan handed it back

[notjusttheowls]

She took it, hesitant, but taking a slow drink

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He smiled

“Ага? Отлично!”

[notjusttheowls]

She stuck her tongue out and made a face. Why did it taste like that? It was yucky.

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and a chuckle at the sight.

My little thief.

He outstretched his arms to pick her up.

[notjusttheowls]

How delightful! She hopped into his arms with an excited squeal, squirming around with glee

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He sighed and made a drinking motion

“Выпей это! Это поможет от обморожения”

[notjusttheowls]

Drink? She didn’t know this guy!

She pointed at him, holding the flask out, trying to make him drink first

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He rolled his eyes and took it back taking a gulp

“Вот! Ну, давай, пей”

Ethan handed it back

[notjusttheowls]

She took it, hesitant, but taking a slow drink

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He sighed and made a drinking motion

“Выпей это! Это поможет от обморожения”

[notjusttheowls]

Drink? She didn’t know this guy!

She pointed at him, holding the flask out, trying to make him drink first

[mr-david-li]

DAVID SHES SMOKEING THE CIGARETTE

WHAT?!

SOPHIA? Where the HELL ARE YOU?

[notjusttheowls]

?

She’s just holding it in her mouth, clearly confused about what the appeal is

[mr-david-li]

Finding her, he took a big breath and froze in place, as though she were a bomb threat he didn’t want to trigger by getting closer or louder.

Sophia… my dear… You should take that out of your mouth. It’s not safe for children.

[notjusttheowls]

No issues there. She takes it out and holds it out to Li, sticking her tongue out. Yuck.

[mr-david-li]

He gave a big sigh of relief and took it eagerly. With that out of the way, he could be a more rational caregiver again.

Thank you. Truly.

Would you like to talk about what this is, and why whoever gave this to you had it?

[notjusttheowls]

She shrugged. She didn’t mind answering his questions.

Why people like?

[mr-david-li]

He knelt down and held the thing in his hands out in front of her. He turned it sideways to show the tobacco inside.

This is something made of plants and chemicals which are very… exciting to people. You know how you feel about your favorite snack or treat? How you really, really want it? A cigarette like this gets people excited, and the stuff inside makes them feel relaxed.

[notjusttheowls]

…treat tasty. This not. Make no sense.

She squinted at the cigarette, coming up with an idea

We show people downstairs tasty treat and they change mind.

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled.

I wish that would change their minds. Who knows, perhaps you are correct in that hypothesis.

Cigarettes and things like alcohol do not taste very good. But when people get excited or relaxed by them, their brain gets very tricky and makes them want it more, even if it’s not good for them.

He paused, wondering if he should be so direct in his examples.

…Have you seen Mike, downstairs? His teeth are all yellow. That’s from cigarettes.

[notjusttheowls]

Mike… she was trying to see if she remembered that name…

V-I-C friend? Employee?

That sounded right

[mr-david-li]

Yes, he’s a friend of Vic’s… Not Marty though. You know Marty. He has that tattered coat and prosthetic leg. Mike wears a black suit. Plays cards a lot in the breakroom… smokes.

He shrugged at the end, at the obvious component of his description.

He’s got that group of men that liked your scar.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Know Marty!

She grinned, then excitedly tapped her scar

I don’t see him lots!!! Sometimes though!

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

You and Marty get along well, surprisingly… Ah, yes. Mike is usually on the night shift. Not around much during the day.

[notjusttheowls]

Sleep at day, like a bat!!

She giggled, flapping her hand

[mr-david-li]

He chuckled and nodded.

Precisely. Your favorite. And just like bats are very important to our ecosystems, Mike is very useful for our company by being nocturnal.

[notjusttheowls]

Like M-I-K!

She grins

Good company, happy!

[mr-david-li]

I’m glad you do. And you’re right on the money. Doing well means our employees can have good, happy lives.

You’re a smart girl.

He booped her nose.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, covering her nose quickly and looking away

[mr-david-li]

He smiled.

Cute. At least Mike doesn’t have a nose like bat, hm?

He pressed his own nose up to be squished like a bat would he, trying to make her laugh.

[notjusttheowls]

She flapped her arms like a bat, grinning excitedly, then remembering the day at the park, when she had tricked the man with normal length arms

Long arms!! M-I-K-E!

[mr-david-li]

Ha! Long arms! I recall. You are a goofball, you know.

He gave her pats on her head.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned, running a circle around Li excitedly

He sign card for M-R-B-O-S-S!! Remember!!!

[mr-david-li]

He watched her, looking over his shoulders whenever she was behind him.

I do recall! He was so very happy to receive it.

Mike had a pretty good signature, anyhow.

[notjusttheowls]

Ok I go down and see them!?? I tell them that the —

She paused, before pointing at the cigarette

—bad for them!! And I give them treat instead!

[mr-david-li]

Cigarette.

He held it up for her and signed the name.

He grimaced. He knew people would not like that, but-

Oh, what the Hell. Sure. Let’s go tell them.

[notjusttheowls]

She fishes around in her pockets, nodding when she pulled out a bunch of stickers, then ran for the elevator

[mr-david-li]

Oh?

He followed after her. She had a whole plan for this… It was quite adorable.

[notjusttheowls]

She waited very politely, before stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the warehouse, holding her head up to be proper like Li

[mr-david-li]

He liked her stance, putting his arm around her for a quick squeeze.

My amazing girl…

[notjusttheowls]

That made her break form and giggle, she grinned at li, holding her arms behind her back and putting her feet together as the elevator went down

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, tickling her a little more, before she stopped.

Good work, dear.

He was proud, a little, seeing her know when to be ‘on’ and off, professionally.

[notjusttheowls]

She rocked a bit, and when the door opened, she copied Li’s footsteps as best she could, scouting for her first task on the mission

[mr-david-li]

It was true, he straightened up and readjusted his tie as they walked out.

At first, there was nobody around that she knew, but soon Marty came into view, sweeping the floor and yawning.

Ah, hello.

“Hm?”

He seemed half asleep.

[notjusttheowls]

She waved excitedly

M-A-R-T-Y!!! Cigarette? Have replacement!

[mr-david-li]

He blinked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t smoke very often anymore. He used to when he was younger, but thankfully, now only did so when he was at his limit.

“Replacement? For uh… cigarettes? Are you an engineer or somethin’?”

He leaned against his broom.

[notjusttheowls]

She held up a sticker. It was a cat in a coffee mug

She smiled widely

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

That made him lean down and blink a few more times to have his eyes wake up and focus on the image.

“That’s adorable! Is t-that for… me?”

You couldn’t tell by his usual disposition, or his attire, but he was a sucker for silly cats.

You look like you could use the coffee cup… The cat is a bonus, I suppose.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! And you have instead of cigarette!

She put it in his hand excitedly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled as he was offered it, trying not to think of the fact that his boss saw him borderline sleeping on the job.

“Thank you, Sophia. This is really nice of you. Yeah, no cigarettes for me.”

He thought about sticking it to his jacket, but he didn’t want that to get wasted and lose its stick… And some of the guys would surely laugh at him. He peeled it off the wrapper and stuck it to the inside of his jacket. Now only he could see it. And when it unstuck, maybe he could keep it around in his pocket.

“You’re a good kid.”

[notjusttheowls]

That was delightful! She flapped her arms excitedly, letting out an incoherent noise

[mr-david-li]

He recoiled a little with a smirk. It was unexpected but cute. Li however was forced to think about the advice he was given about getting her assessed… He wished he didn’t think about that.

“Whoa-ho, there. Glad you like me havin’ it.”

[notjusttheowls]

She wiggles in place, then runs off to find the next

[mr-david-li]

He waved goodbye after her. Li lingered for a moment to bid him a longer and more appreciative farewell. Marty then kept sweeping, but with a greater pep in his step.

The next person she could find was Vic. Li hummed with contemplation. Vic would know where Mike was.

“Signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

She yells, running at Vic and hugging him tightly

V-I-C! Hello!!!

[mr-david-li]

He scooped her up and spun around. He was in a very excitable mood today.

“How are you, Miss Sophia?!”

[notjusttheowls]

Good!! Giving replacement for cigarette!!!

She grinned

Want?

[mr-david-li]

“Cigarettes? I prefer a good cigar myself.”

He let out a bellowing, hearty laugh.

“What do you have in mind?”

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, holding up her prosthetic to tell him to wait as she thumbed through the stickers. Vic needed a good one.

Finally, she held up a cat dressed like a croissant

[mr-david-li]

He waited patiently with a big smile. It was cute when she made people wait. He looked to Li who peered over her shoulder and looked at the stickers. Vic had a relatively good view of that too, but only reacted once she determined which one he should get, giving that privacy to her search.

He gasped and put both hands to his cheeks, a little over-exaggerated, and looked at it.

“Would you look at that! It’s a cat in a croissant! Have you ever seen something like that before?!”

No, I haven’t.

Li played along with his excitement.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia grinned excitedly, holding it up, before putting it in Vic’s hands and bouncing up and down.

[mr-david-li]

He took it gingerly between his hulking fingers. It looked so silly in juxtaposition.

“I love it! What a wonderful gift, signora.”

She wants you to uh… quit smoking.

He gave the man an apologetic look.

“Oh?… Hm. Well, I’ll think about it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Get sticker instead of cigarette! Have lots! Cigarette not yummy!

She stuck her tongue out and shook her head

[mr-david-li]

“Oh wow. A sticker every time? Hm. That is more enticing… Cigars are more yummy than cigarettes, but… You’ve got a deal.”

[notjusttheowls]

She got excited, hugging Vic and looking to Li with a big grin

[mr-david-li]

He smiled, hugging her back. He adored her hugs. They were so cozy.

Li gave her a thumbs up for her successful mission.

That’s two happy customers.

[notjusttheowls]

She positively squealed, giving Vic another squeeze, rubbing her face into his body

[mr-david-li]

He laughed, only lightly squeezing her back, so he didn’t squish her to death.

“Ah, signora! You’re so strong. Did you know that?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled harder, squealing and wiggling in his arms

Like V-I-C!!!

[mr-david-li]

“Ha! Exactly like me! I bet you’ll grow twice as tall and buff.”

Li gave him a small smile, somewhat chuckling at the words themselves.

“…And you know, one of the best ways to get as big as me is to eat your veggies, capisce?”

He tried to fit in a parenting-styled lesson in there.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded fervently, looking to Li

We get more vegetables, o-k???

She giggled and squealed

[mr-david-li]

That, I can certainly do.

He winked at Vic for a thank you and came over to pat Sophia's head.

Now, we did have a question for you, Vic. Have you seen Mike around?

"Oh! Sure. I think he was doing some paperwork in the breakroom. Whatcha need him for?"

A... similar reason we found you.

"Oh, I see..."

Vic wasn't always the brightest bulb, but he could guess what Li meant. He seemed less than optimistic about the idea of a sticker wooing the cold-hearted man. At least Vic could always ask for it instead. He'd love a second sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! We help! And he like!

[mr-david-li]

Vic gave a weak smile to Sophia and squeezed the hug just a little tighter before releasing her.

“R-Right. I’ll be here still, if you… wanna hug afterwards, again.”

Li offered to hold her hand to walk to the breakroom, unless of course, she wanted to still look professional.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, putting her stickers away and going back to her proper stance.

I be back! V-I-C best hugs!

[mr-david-li]

“I’ll be looking forward to it! See you soon, signora.”

Vic waved to her as Li led her to the breakroom.

Unlike usual times, the door was closed. Mike wanted privacy to do his paperwork, and since he didn’t have an office, or didn’t want to go to one, he simply closed the door. That led to a big cloud of smoke floating out as Li opened the door. He tsked and waved his hand in front of both their faces to dispel it. Jim had told him the dangers of second hand smoke for children.

[notjusttheowls]

She peaked her head in, then stepped inside

Hello M-I-K-E!!!

[mr-david-li]

The man sat at the table, a full ashtray next to him and a cigarette in his fingers nearly empty.

Hello, Mike. Miss Sophia is here with me.

Li spoke her words out, in case any remaining smoke blocked out her signing.

The man looked up with his usual gruff scowl.

“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

[notjusttheowls]

Have replacement for cigarette! Because cigarette is yucky!

She stuck out her tongue, remembering the taste of tobacco. She didn’t understand why people liked them.

Instead of cigarette, you get sticker!

[mr-david-li]

The man squinted. Smoking was a deeply personal matter he’d prefer not to discuss with his employer.

“You’re here to tell me to… quit smoking? Li?”

The man grimaced and shook his head.

N-No, no. It’s within company policy. Just… play along.

He mouthed the last words. Mike looked from him to Sophia.

“I can’t smoke a sticker.”

[notjusttheowls]

Anytime you want a cigarette, you see me, and I give sticker instead, so you still get fun!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

He took a puff of his cigarette and snubbed the butt into his ashtray. He blew the smoke in the air above his head.

“Smoking keeps me focused. I don’t think a sticker could do that, kid.”

Why don’t you show Mike the sticker, hm?

He nudged her.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes!! You get because put down!

A tough case, indeed. She hurried over to show him the stickers

[mr-david-li]

“Eh?”

He grimaced, showing off his yellow teeth, like Li said he had. He was confused at first what she meant, not realizing that finishing his cigarette counted for this game.

He peered over at the sticker sheets.

“These are… cats dressed up as things?”

Would you like a particular one?

“Uh…”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods and shows some of them off, giggling as she found one in a burrito, holding it up for him

[mr-david-li]

“Oh. Look at that…”

His gruffness was caught off guard. He liked this design.

It’s yours.

[notjusttheowls]

Yes! Because put down cigarette!

She grinned

[mr-david-li]

“Well uh…”

He looked at her innocent face and the sticker, eventually sticking it to his lapel.

“Thanks, kid…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squealed, putting her other stickers away and flapping her hand, before hugging Mike tight

[mr-david-li]

“Oh-”

He startled, not expecting a hug. He wasn’t really the sort for it. He didn’t feel as buff as Vic, but he wasn’t thin either. He did reek of tobacco, though.

He hesitated and gave her a tentative pat on the back.

“Yeah, uh… no problem.”

Thank you, Mike.

[notjusttheowls]

She grinned, letting go

Don’t worry! Normal arms!

Sophia giggled, then ran back to Li, jumping at him to get a tackle-hug in

[mr-david-li]

“Not that old thing again…”

OOF-

Li stumbled and managed to catch her.

Whoa there!

Mike cackled.

“She nearly got you.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia yelled excitedly. She was strong like Vic!!!

Because eat vegetables!

[mr-david-li]

I don’t know, maybe we should cut back on your vegetables.

Despite the volume of her yelling, he pulled her close on his hip.

[notjusttheowls]

No! Want to be strong!!

She squirmed, clearly upset at the idea

[mr-david-li]

Alright. Alright. I’ll let you win these wrestling matches with me. I just hope I can always still pick you up.

He booped her nose again.

“Don’t get so gushy around me. Suit’s dry-clean only. Don’t want your salty tears on it.”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia stuck her tongue out, clinging to Li and trying to walk out with him

[mr-david-li]

Mike gave a hearty chortle, shuffling the deck of cards he always had on him. He was due for a break anyway.

Li led her back outside to the warehouse, pausing once they were far from Mike.

This has been very kind of you, Sophia. Sharing all your stickers.

[notjusttheowls]

Happy to help!

She stood proudly

[mr-david-li]

He smiled and gave her a little salute, accustomed to the gesture by his boss.

And for that, the world thanks you. I prom-

“Signora! How did it go?!”

The man came rushing over, tucking his shipment slips under his arm.

[notjusttheowls]

She squeals, running at Vic with the same trick she tried on Li

[mr-david-li]

“Oof-ah! There she is!”

Honestly, the sound was just for show. He had no problem picking her up and lifting her above his head like a ballerina.

“Did Mike take his sticker after all?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, grinning and flapping her arms and legs as she was above Vic. She liked this position. It felt like flying

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Wow! That’s great, signora!”

I know you were hoping for his sticker…

Vic snorted and shook his head playfully at Li, very happy that he was playing along with his excitement.

He looked back up at the girl.

“You like this? Not too little oxygen up there?”

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, nodding excitedly

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, would you look at that? She must be a goddess, living all up there in the clouds without breathin’ hard.”

He bent his arms and tossed her a few inches up, before catching her. Li grimaced a little, worried that she’d be dropped, but he had faith in Vic.

[notjusttheowls]

She screamed, laughing as well, letting out little noises of excitement

[mr-david-li]

Li gave an exhale, her laughter something tranquil to him.

“And she likes to fly like a goddess!”

He tossed her again and again.

I didn’t know gods could fly.

“Of course they do! How are they supposed to get anywhere?”

He made a face at Sophia like ‘Get a load of this guy.’

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, looking to Li and making a “duh” motion

[mr-david-li]

He held his hands in surrender to the two of them and their superior knowledge on the subject.

“It’s a good thing she’s not a vengeful goddess, or you’d be struck by lightning!”

Good heavens… I don’t think I’d ever be able to brush my hair back down from that.

He smirked, thinking about the cartoonish image of his hair on edge from the electricity.

[notjusttheowls]

She giggled, holding up a finger gun and pointing it at Li

[mr-david-li]

Zzzzt!

He tried to mimic a lightning sound as best he could, but he was not particularly known for his impressions. He simply went stiff, and let his glasses sag down on his nose.

“Oh you’ve got it now, Li!”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, holding up her finger gun, pointing again and “shooting”

[mr-david-li]

Not… lightning? Or more lightning?

He whispered, trying to figure out her game better.

[notjusttheowls]

She pat Vic, showing off the finger gun

[mr-david-li]

“Oh, I see. I see! Is it a real gun, then?”

[notjusttheowls]

She nods, showing it to Vic again. He knew allll the gun facts

[mr-david-li]

“Ah! Very pretty then. Looks like a pistol, hm?”

Li didn’t know Sophia had paid attention to their weapons. This somewhat distressed him. He didn’t know if someone so young should know of that violence… Then again, she did love the idea of getting revenge on people who’d wronged her by kicking them. Maybe for someone with such a past, violence was a gift.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, holding it up to the ceiling and pretending to fire, then grinning at Li

[mr-david-li]

“Pew! Be careful where you wave that thing! Ha! Are you like a cowboy?”

[notjusttheowls]

Be careful, eh? Sounded like a challenge. She pointed it at Vic, grinning evilly

[mr-david-li]

“EEP!”

Vic squeaked, playing the role.

You know not to do that for real, r-right?

Li was in his parenting mode.

[notjusttheowls]

She huffs, nodding.

Want orange vegetable! Go free when get!

[mr-david-li]

“You want a carrot? I can get you a carrot.”

Vic pretended to have a higher pitched voice from fear of being held at gunpoint.

“In the fridge. The breakroom!”

[notjusttheowls]

She squinted at li, waving her finger gun around

[mr-david-li]

She was surprisingly good at this. He got a move on, directing him and the other man held hostage towards the breakroom.

It was still smoky in there, but Mike seemed to not have smoked anything new since they left.

“What on Earth…”

[notjusttheowls]

She held her finger gun at him, holding her head high, then looking to Li again. Perfect. She had two hostages, now!

[mr-david-li]

Mike did not seem amused and went back to his game of solitaire.

Vic filled in for his sour-puss demeanor and opened the fridge, to pull out a Tupperware of carrots.

“Here! Here! Just please don’t kill us, signora!”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia took the biggest one, looking it over and nodding, taking a big bite and patting Vic’s head with her prosthetic

[mr-david-li]

He gave a sigh of relief, and lowered his head to her for the pats.

“Phew! Is that satisfactory?”

Li smiled, happy to see her eating healthy.

“Ain’t those Marty’s carrots?”

…

“…”

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia squinted, contemplating what to do

I share?

[mr-david-li]

U-Um… I’m sure he’d understand… Maybe leave half behind?

“And me and him can go out for burgers later.”

“Wasn’t he going on a diet?”

Mike shuffled his deck of cards again.

[notjusttheowls]

She tugged Vic’s hair a bit

Bring me. I say sorry. Give him sticker.

[mr-david-li]

Be gentle…

“I’ll bring you, signora.”

Thank you, Mike.

Li held the door for them to head out to the warehouse where they’d last seen Marty.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia looked around, spotting Marty and pointing. She waved a bit sheepishly, fidgeting

[mr-david-li]

The man was a little more awake, emptying his dust pan filled with wood chips and metal scrap from the warehouse floor. He looked up.

“Oh, hey, kid. Vic?”

“Y-Yeah, hey there, amico.”

“…What‘a wrong?”

[notjusttheowls]

I eat your carrot. No know. So sorry.

She got out her stickers

Want?

[mr-david-li]

He froze, looking quite sad.

“M-My lunch? I-I… Those were…”

He was trying to eat better and lose some weight. Vegetables were more expensive to buy than junk food, and he had to come to terms with the fact he’d have to get fast food again today.

He took a deep inhale and sighed, his expression calmer.

“It’s ok… You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the sticker, not as enthused as last time.

Miss Sophia, it cannot replace what has happened, but it is kind of you to give something of great value to yourself.

It seemed halfway in Li’s life-lesson teaching he switched to try and comfort Marty.

The man tucked the dust pan under his arm and took the sticker.

[notjusttheowls]

We playing. I no finish it!

She offered

And only take one! I get you more? From upstairs kitchen??

[mr-david-li]

He softened his eyes, sort of feeling bad for his overreaction.

“J-Just one? Oh… That’s ok, kid. D-Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry.”

[notjusttheowls]

M-A-R-T-Y friend. I get you new carrot.

She was decided on it, now. She was good at sneaking. And the kitchen wouldn’t miss it.

[mr-david-li]

He realized he couldn’t stop her, and gave her a pat on her shoulder.

“That’s nice that you think of me that way.”

Marty seemed to blush a little at that fact. He knew she was just a kid, and they made friends very easily, but he was always flattered that anyone liked him.

[notjusttheowls]

She nodded, patting Vic’s shoulder and pointing to the elevator

I go get it. Need down, ok?

[mr-david-li]

“Oh! Ok, signora.”

He picked her up and over his shoulders to the ground.

Li walked over, suggesting that he intended - or assumed - he’d go with her.

[notjusttheowls]

She allowed him to come into the elevator, but stopped him when it got to the kitchens.

I sneak.

[mr-david-li]

You sneak? It could be dangerous, Miss.

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t change her mind.

Stay to the walls, so you don’t get stabbed or burned.

[notjusttheowls]

She nods. She wasn’t gonna tell anyone about her sneaking around the kitchens before. Usually just to snag bits of hor doeuvres, anyway.

She ducked in, heading to the fridge

[mr-david-li]

He waited for her outside the doors, a little anxious to know if she’d come out unscathed.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as usual. A few cooks rushed around, bringing crates of fresh vegetables and pots of boiling water or dirty dishes between sinks.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia waited, seeing the vegetables, she followed, waiting for it to be put down and snatching not one but TWO carrots up

[mr-david-li]

The cook didn’t notice her and sat the box on the floor with a grunt, turning around to get another.

These carrots looked much more regal to Marty’s simple baby carrots.

[notjusttheowls]

Sophia hurried herself back to the elevator, smiling at Li as she held them up

[notjusttheowls]

Ethan had been in the office or camp as he thought of it as for less than a day. Getting bored he decided to walk around a chilling air followed him everywhere he went

“Алло? Есть здесь кто-нибудь новый?”

She stared, tilting her head and waving shyly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

Looking a bit surprised he smiled and took off his hood to be respectful

“Привет… маленькая робот-девочка?”

He was concerned by the robot arm and leg she had

[notjusttheowls]

She stepped back nervously, shaking her head slightly

[bigcoat-dont-care]

What was wrong? Ethan looked around maybe something was scaring her? He looked around

[notjusttheowls]

She didn’t know what was going on, she tried to sign. Maybe he was like her, and just couldn’t speak right?

[bigcoat-dont-care]

“Что с вашими руками? С вами всё в порядке?”

He did not know sing language. Maybe she was sick? Frost fight did make your hands sometimes arms look odd. Perhaps she needs a medicine?

“Хочешь выпить, чтобы согреться?”

[notjusttheowls]

She shook her head, trying to figure it out how to explain

She looked around, then pat her mouth and shook her head

[bigcoat-dont-care]

He moved into his pack and got out his flack handing it to her

“Напиток от жажды поможет вам согреться”

It was the last of his bone broth mixed with the scotch he had gotten from the men

[notjusttheowls]

She paused, tilting her head confused as she took it