Patrick O'Brian

He/Him | 12 years old

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

꒷꒦︶Name︶꒦꒷: Patrick O'Brian, but my friends call me Eel

꒷꒦︶Age︶꒦꒷: 12 years old

꒷꒦︶Pronouns︶꒦꒷: He/Him

꒷꒦︶Birthday︶꒦꒷: August 29th

OOC:

⏔ This is an AU inspired by the ask blog @ask-thelittleleague! As far as I'm aware Plastic Man isn't in their blog yet, but I love Plastic Man and I wanted to join my friends au! This will include my own headcanons and change of canon events so they happen earlier/later than they do in Plastic Man's canon.

⏔ In this AU Plas hasn't become a hero or joined the Justice League yet. He's living on the streets after being orphaned at 5 years old. He runs with a gang of kids, who stupidly tried to rob a chemical plant a year or so ago, which ended up causing Patrick to get his powers. He's also born in Gotham in this AU.

Other Accounts in this AU!

~ @kidlantern

~ @black-eyed-bat

[the-rubber-band]

Sorry y'all, work and uni got me exhausted. I'll be on and off but I'll try and keep going! Stay safe <3

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[little-elf-candycane]

"If you're worried they're too warm you can always wrap them in something!"

"Uh yeah, it wasn't even that long ago either... I haven't really thought about it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, maybe I'll see if Roy can get me some gloves or somethin' I could use so I ain't touchin' 'em directly."

"I mean, ya could still go to school. Just gotta find an adult to take ya. I mean I ain't a normal kid anymore, and I still hafta go."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's a good idea!"

"No cause I'm only here for the winter, I'm not gonna be let in to a school for only a month, or like two in this case"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He nods, grinning slightly.

His face falls. "Oh. I was kinda hopin' ya would be able to come to school with me."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That would be really fun... If I figure out how to stay here when it's not Christmas I'll go to school with you! That way it'll be less boring for you!"

"and if I can be here when it's not Christmas I can introduce you to my sibling!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, and at least I'd know someone there. And, ya know, ya'd get to go back to school like ya wanted."

"Yeah, that'd be nice. What's yer brother like? Is he like a Halloween elf?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah, I'd love to have a friend when I go back to school. If I can go back"

"Not brother, Sibling. But they're the coolest! Uhm I mean maybe? I'm not actually sure I think they'd more likely be like a Vampire or something, or a ghost. Like more on them for Halloween"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I hope ya can. If ya can't, maybe I could ask Roy to home school ya for a bit?"

"Oh sorry. Sibling. I mean that makes sense, them bein' some sorta monster. I love Halloween cuz that's the time of year I don't hafta steal and people actually give out food."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That could be so fun!"

"mhm! Oh- do you want food now? I can probably figure out something that's proper food! Uhmmm"

They start mumbling to themself about what is considered Christmas food

"maybe if I use Christmas plates? Is a roast considered Christmassy? Theres like Christmas cake? I think... If I ate an entire turkey leg on Christmas one time does that mean it counts?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He shrugs. "I think turkey's a Christmas food. That or ham. I'll take whatever ya got. Ooh, maybe some pie? Is pie Christmassy? I could go for some pie right now if yer hat'll give it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[little-elf-candycane]

"If you're worried they're too warm you can always wrap them in something!"

"Uh yeah, it wasn't even that long ago either... I haven't really thought about it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, maybe I'll see if Roy can get me some gloves or somethin' I could use so I ain't touchin' 'em directly."

"I mean, ya could still go to school. Just gotta find an adult to take ya. I mean I ain't a normal kid anymore, and I still hafta go."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's a good idea!"

"No cause I'm only here for the winter, I'm not gonna be let in to a school for only a month, or like two in this case"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He nods, grinning slightly.

His face falls. "Oh. I was kinda hopin' ya would be able to come to school with me."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That would be really fun... If I figure out how to stay here when it's not Christmas I'll go to school with you! That way it'll be less boring for you!"

"and if I can be here when it's not Christmas I can introduce you to my sibling!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, and at least I'd know someone there. And, ya know, ya'd get to go back to school like ya wanted."

"Yeah, that'd be nice. What's yer brother like? Is he like a Halloween elf?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah, I'd love to have a friend when I go back to school. If I can go back"

"Not brother, Sibling. But they're the coolest! Uhm I mean maybe? I'm not actually sure I think they'd more likely be like a Vampire or something, or a ghost. Like more on them for Halloween"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I hope ya can. If ya can't, maybe I could ask Roy to home school ya for a bit?"

"Oh sorry. Sibling. I mean that makes sense, them bein' some sorta monster. I love Halloween cuz that's the time of year I don't hafta steal and people actually give out food."

[homocidalpotat]

Picrew chain! Make yourself with this picrew and the most recent meme on your phone

Tags: @dracosleftarsecheek @yourlocalbadgerscales @forensic-b1tch-aiden @names-confuse-me @agathokakolog1cal @yourlocalxiaosimp and open tags! <33 have fun

[bored-dromaeosaur]

Clothes isn't accurate.

Open tags.

[dungeonlv1]

@mildlybizarrecorvid @blizzardtheartisticfox

[mildlybizarrecorvid]

[4ac-925]

:33

@luxurydumpsterfire @hydrogenuranium @my-mom-named-me-duck @wowza53 plus any1 else!!

[hydrogenuranium]

Yeah don't ask

@carmyn-rambles @starlit-rainfall @taco-bee @sillycrowbrain @chaggie4ever @speakofthedebbie + anybody else!

[speakofthedebbie]

:3c

@thegreatpapaya666 @charbored @justawasteoftime1122 + all other moots! :D

[charbored]

...dont ask lol

@hart-in-the-headlights @shortnailsforfuntimes @readthephible @bagels-n-shmaegels

[shortnailsforfuntimes]

understandable in light of recent events i hope

@astraisnothere @lavalamps-and-ladydoors @m0ther-of-p3arl

[lavalamps-and-ladydoors]

in my defense... yeah I can't think of one 😔

@cureribbon @anxietyinducingsituations @bluewastelanddefendor

[anxietyinducingsituations]

ELLA 💀💀💀

Anyway @kittykatkattoo @aromanticphillester @happysammi @misscarynnz @clusterfuck-meup @octopusinaskinsuit @iamgiraffe100

[so-many-socks]

yeah this is my vibe

i tag @fatherphaniel @litsy-kalyptica @queerdnp @littles4pphire @theblueststatic @notsosaucystuff @vampiregway and any other of my lovely mutuals 💕

[theblueststatic]

ahh i love this thank you for tagging me :3

@copacetit @con9103 @rutile85 @eddiesangels @blossoms-phan @phanyaoi @lobotomist-at-claires

[lobotomist-at-tabs]

omg this is awesome, thank you so much for the tag!!💕

i feel like this summarizes my vibe pretty well lmao

no-pressure tag to @rainytastemakeralpaca @cemeterygrace @philsmeatylegss @ingydar-phan @gamora-borealis @randomslinky @purpurussy @martitheevans @galacticneighbor @cheekyvank @queerdnp @castaway-pineapples plus anyone else who wants to participate !!! :3

[philsmeatylegss]

Being tagged in these makes me feel like I’m invited to the cool kids’ table. I always get so giddy. Thank you!!!

Tagging the 50 most recent mutuals in my notifs. No pressure to do it and mutuals not tagged feel free to also do it:

@mayjuvac @dazzlesucker @cemeterygrace @trjslimeball @inturruptedbyfireworks @ingydar-phan @faint-i-wont-be-ignored @possum-tooth @emotoangel @roastedinmarch @glassofpumpkinjuice @veggiesforpresident @digitaldiseas3 @err-yn @whatsitcalledfromthingy @youretheworstperson @miscellaneousqueer @youreacow-boylikeme @cashandandrogyny @chronicllyinsane @laprasboat @yaoifuldnp @alwaysyou122 @phaoi @iampeachless @lavenderagenda @funkylittlebats @phlonde @tictacbud @notreallyaroad @salemruinseverything @redwidow616 @evensquirrellier @tacozebra051 @james-a-b @epaily @ectospazm @awkward-imp @phantaloon @fearthevest @dipandpiptit @spacetrashfallingdown @ademigodgirl @badhabitnun @cheekyvank @notsosaucystuff @neonvqmpire @billpottsismygf @texashippiecowboy @white-spirit-of-darkness

[gay-draag-path]

@here-and-queer312 @alexluvsskittlez @coping-via-clint-eastwood @iridescentcrow @sparklingpurplewaffles @lunaqstar @system-of-an-up

[purplesparklingwaffles]

@bowlofworms @roguemagpie @haveihitanerve @demonicsuffrage

[demonicsuffrage]

Heh

Tagging @catboy-jupiter @batfam-stuff-posts-0 @fandomestuff @wordsworldthings plus whoever wants to! And all my moots

[leesbian42-rp]

tihi I whasn't tagged but I wanted to join in too! so here's me and my most recent meme! (? no one has explain to me what it is but! I find it funny!) - Saga

tags: @skylernightmare @stray-tim @harleenquinntime @yaeklore you don have to and anyone else is free to join too!

[stray-tim]

((Doing it as Stray first and later I see about doing it for my personal blog xD))

So, I tried to get myself as accurately as possible, so we just have to pretend that the ears are darker (๑ᵔᴗᵔ๑)⁠ゞ

Does this count as a Meme? I don't really have that many saved on my phone... (っ˵ ﹏ ˵ς)

@batkid-from-another-father @irl-batsignal @pipertheseapancake @harleenquinntime

[harleenquinntime]

I don't really have memes lol they are all on my other devices

(No pressure tags)

@babsggordon @posionl0ve @timbits-drake @r1ddl3-m3-th1s

[timbits-drake]

no pressure tags : @brucewayne-offic @fashionable-super @billyybatsonz @gothamsdarlingg @jasonwayne-todd

[gothamsdarlingg]

[OOC] my locs aren't this big but here you go 😭

No pressure tags: @asensitivecookie @super-clark @superiorwayne @teatimealfie

[teatimealfie]

My hairs purple/pink but yeah this is... close? Minus like... me using crutches or my cane. Got tagged in this a few times. So thanks!

(Hesitent to do these bc they never have mobility aids and that's annoying.)

@damian-al-ghul-wayne @little-pumpkin-shadow @stretchy-plastic-kid @redhoodguythethird

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

ooc post :)

Made myself as best I could

Uuuh anyone idk who to tag aaa

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[little-elf-candycane]

"If you're worried they're too warm you can always wrap them in something!"

"Uh yeah, it wasn't even that long ago either... I haven't really thought about it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, maybe I'll see if Roy can get me some gloves or somethin' I could use so I ain't touchin' 'em directly."

"I mean, ya could still go to school. Just gotta find an adult to take ya. I mean I ain't a normal kid anymore, and I still hafta go."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's a good idea!"

"No cause I'm only here for the winter, I'm not gonna be let in to a school for only a month, or like two in this case"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He nods, grinning slightly.

His face falls. "Oh. I was kinda hopin' ya would be able to come to school with me."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That would be really fun... If I figure out how to stay here when it's not Christmas I'll go to school with you! That way it'll be less boring for you!"

"and if I can be here when it's not Christmas I can introduce you to my sibling!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, and at least I'd know someone there. And, ya know, ya'd get to go back to school like ya wanted."

"Yeah, that'd be nice. What's yer brother like? Is he like a Halloween elf?"

[cabinet-man-in-gotham]

"That's not a very good place to try n' get food."

Azriel hears a voice nearby. A kid, about 12 years old, is watching him dig through the garbage for food.

"If ya wanna get somethin' good, ya gotta try behind a food place like Batburger. If yer lucky, ya might score a whole burger before the rats get it."

@stretchy-plastic-kid

Azriel's head snaps up to look at the kid with wide eyes. He blinks.

"Uh... Where's that..?" He says, as if not entirely sure whether to believe there's a random kid talking to him.

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He cocks his head to one side.

"There's one only a few streets away. Ya know, the place with the big sign of a burger with bat wings?"

[cabinet-man-in-gotham]

“…Right.” He hesitantly nods. “…I don’t need money for that?”

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Not if ya wait for the workers to throw food in the dumpster. Best to be there when it happens so ya get the good stuff."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[little-elf-candycane]

"If you're worried they're too warm you can always wrap them in something!"

"Uh yeah, it wasn't even that long ago either... I haven't really thought about it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, maybe I'll see if Roy can get me some gloves or somethin' I could use so I ain't touchin' 'em directly."

"I mean, ya could still go to school. Just gotta find an adult to take ya. I mean I ain't a normal kid anymore, and I still hafta go."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's a good idea!"

"No cause I'm only here for the winter, I'm not gonna be let in to a school for only a month, or like two in this case"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He nods, grinning slightly.

His face falls. "Oh. I was kinda hopin' ya would be able to come to school with me."

[speedywithadhd]

There's a few people standing on a street corner. You notice a kid, about 12, trying to pickpocket one of the adults.

@stretchy-plastic-kid

Bart immediately speeds over, stopping the kid from doing anything.

"Hey! Don't be doing that, it's a crime, you could get in trouble."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

The kid starts, then glares at Bart.

"Where the hell did ya come from? Ya weren't here a second ago! N' I won't get into trouble. If ya hadn't suddenly appeared I woulda been fine!"

[speedywithadhd]

"You would still be stealing. What are you stealing for? Don't you have someone taking care of you or something? You shouldn't have to be here stealing"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He shrugs.

"I mean I got someone I'm livin' with now. Kinda just used ta stealin' stuff. Been doin' it for most of my life."

[speedywithadhd]

"Well don't. You'll end up in juivi, or prison if you keep going on like this. I doubt you want that"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"The pigs'll never catch me, n' if somehow they do, I'll be out in a flash."

He smirks at Impulse on the last word.

[speedywithadhd]

"Very funny. They will catch you one day, so just keep out of people's pockets"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He snorts. "Like they'll be able to keep me behind bars. I don't even need my powers, they're so stupid."

[speedywithadhd]

"I don't care if they can keep you or not. Do you want to constantly be on the run?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I can change my face, I'll be fiiine. If I chose too, no one'd ever see me again."

[speedywithadhd]

"do you really want to be living a life like that? I wouldn't think so"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He crosses his arms. "I don't see why ya care. Don't ya police n' heroes n stuff not care about street kids?"

[speedywithadhd]

"we care quite a bit about you kids, actually. It's still our job to protect you, are you really not staying anywhere right now?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I do got somewhere to stay. He's lettin' me sleep at his house n' he's feedin' me and he wants to get me into school." He screwed up his face at the mention of school.

[speedywithadhd]

"Well then who is he? I wanna call him to come get you. Or where does he live? anything, he's gotta keep you out if trouble"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"His name's Roy. If I hafta I'll show ya where he lives." He says, irritated. "I can look after myself, I don't need 'im keepin' his eyes on me."

[speedywithadhd]

"Obviously you do, if you keep stealing when you don't need too. I won't make you show me, not this time. You have to stop this, though"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Mmmm, fiiine, I'll try. Can't promise nothin' though. Also, ya owe me for screwin' up what I was doin'."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[little-elf-candycane]

"If you're worried they're too warm you can always wrap them in something!"

"Uh yeah, it wasn't even that long ago either... I haven't really thought about it."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yeah, maybe I'll see if Roy can get me some gloves or somethin' I could use so I ain't touchin' 'em directly."

"I mean, ya could still go to school. Just gotta find an adult to take ya. I mean I ain't a normal kid anymore, and I still hafta go."

[speedywithadhd]

There's a few people standing on a street corner. You notice a kid, about 12, trying to pickpocket one of the adults.

@stretchy-plastic-kid

Bart immediately speeds over, stopping the kid from doing anything.

"Hey! Don't be doing that, it's a crime, you could get in trouble."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

The kid starts, then glares at Bart.

"Where the hell did ya come from? Ya weren't here a second ago! N' I won't get into trouble. If ya hadn't suddenly appeared I woulda been fine!"

[speedywithadhd]

"You would still be stealing. What are you stealing for? Don't you have someone taking care of you or something? You shouldn't have to be here stealing"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He shrugs.

"I mean I got someone I'm livin' with now. Kinda just used ta stealin' stuff. Been doin' it for most of my life."

[speedywithadhd]

"Well don't. You'll end up in juivi, or prison if you keep going on like this. I doubt you want that"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"The pigs'll never catch me, n' if somehow they do, I'll be out in a flash."

He smirks at Impulse on the last word.

[speedywithadhd]

"Very funny. They will catch you one day, so just keep out of people's pockets"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He snorts. "Like they'll be able to keep me behind bars. I don't even need my powers, they're so stupid."

[speedywithadhd]

"I don't care if they can keep you or not. Do you want to constantly be on the run?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I can change my face, I'll be fiiine. If I chose too, no one'd ever see me again."

[speedywithadhd]

"do you really want to be living a life like that? I wouldn't think so"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He crosses his arms. "I don't see why ya care. Don't ya police n' heroes n stuff not care about street kids?"

[speedywithadhd]

"we care quite a bit about you kids, actually. It's still our job to protect you, are you really not staying anywhere right now?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I do got somewhere to stay. He's lettin' me sleep at his house n' he's feedin' me and he wants to get me into school." He screwed up his face at the mention of school.

[speedywithadhd]

"Well then who is he? I wanna call him to come get you. Or where does he live? anything, he's gotta keep you out if trouble"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"His name's Roy. If I hafta I'll show ya where he lives." He says, irritated. "I can look after myself, I don't need 'im keepin' his eyes on me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[little-elf-candycane]

"He sounds great!" Her face drops for a second as they realise "Oh.. I'm never gonna go back to school again...."

"Oh yeah here you go!" She pulls out two, one decorated like a Christmas tree and another like a candy cane

"You pop this little metal disk here and it heats up and then once it cools down you gotta put it boiling water until it's goey again to reset it!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He pauses. "Were... were ya a normal kid once?"

He takes the hand warmers and studies them, turning them over in his hands. "Huh, alright. Thank you! I'll definitely give 'em a go. Just gotta hope they don't melt my hands."

[speedywithadhd]

There's a few people standing on a street corner. You notice a kid, about 12, trying to pickpocket one of the adults.

@stretchy-plastic-kid

Bart immediately speeds over, stopping the kid from doing anything.

"Hey! Don't be doing that, it's a crime, you could get in trouble."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

The kid starts, then glares at Bart.

"Where the hell did ya come from? Ya weren't here a second ago! N' I won't get into trouble. If ya hadn't suddenly appeared I woulda been fine!"

[speedywithadhd]

"You would still be stealing. What are you stealing for? Don't you have someone taking care of you or something? You shouldn't have to be here stealing"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He shrugs.

"I mean I got someone I'm livin' with now. Kinda just used ta stealin' stuff. Been doin' it for most of my life."

[speedywithadhd]

"Well don't. You'll end up in juivi, or prison if you keep going on like this. I doubt you want that"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"The pigs'll never catch me, n' if somehow they do, I'll be out in a flash."

He smirks at Impulse on the last word.

[speedywithadhd]

"Very funny. They will catch you one day, so just keep out of people's pockets"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He snorts. "Like they'll be able to keep me behind bars. I don't even need my powers, they're so stupid."

[speedywithadhd]

"I don't care if they can keep you or not. Do you want to constantly be on the run?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I can change my face, I'll be fiiine. If I chose too, no one'd ever see me again."

[speedywithadhd]

"do you really want to be living a life like that? I wouldn't think so"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He crosses his arms. "I don't see why ya care. Don't ya police n' heroes n stuff not care about street kids?"

[speedywithadhd]

"we care quite a bit about you kids, actually. It's still our job to protect you, are you really not staying anywhere right now?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I do got somewhere to stay. He's lettin' me sleep at his house n' he's feedin' me and he wants to get me into school." He screwed up his face at the mention of school.

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Who's Roy?"

"Oh do you want a hand warmer incase that happens again?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Roy's the guy who took me in recently. He feeds me n' gives me a bed to sleep in. He wants me to go to school though." He pulls a face.

"Yeah, if ya have some in that magic hat of yers I'll have one. Please."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Awwwww, sweet Baby

Excuse me lady, I ain't no baby! Yer askin' fer a punt in the face!

[speedywithadhd]

There's a few people standing on a street corner. You notice a kid, about 12, trying to pickpocket one of the adults.

@stretchy-plastic-kid

Bart immediately speeds over, stopping the kid from doing anything.

"Hey! Don't be doing that, it's a crime, you could get in trouble."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

The kid starts, then glares at Bart.

"Where the hell did ya come from? Ya weren't here a second ago! N' I won't get into trouble. If ya hadn't suddenly appeared I woulda been fine!"

[speedywithadhd]

"You would still be stealing. What are you stealing for? Don't you have someone taking care of you or something? You shouldn't have to be here stealing"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He shrugs.

"I mean I got someone I'm livin' with now. Kinda just used ta stealin' stuff. Been doin' it for most of my life."

[speedywithadhd]

"Well don't. You'll end up in juivi, or prison if you keep going on like this. I doubt you want that"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"The pigs'll never catch me, n' if somehow they do, I'll be out in a flash."

He smirks at Impulse on the last word.

[speedywithadhd]

"Very funny. They will catch you one day, so just keep out of people's pockets"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He snorts. "Like they'll be able to keep me behind bars. I don't even need my powers, they're so stupid."

[speedywithadhd]

"I don't care if they can keep you or not. Do you want to constantly be on the run?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I can change my face, I'll be fiiine. If I chose too, no one'd ever see me again."

[speedywithadhd]

"do you really want to be living a life like that? I wouldn't think so"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He crosses his arms. "I don't see why ya care. Don't ya police n' heroes n stuff not care about street kids?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

🎄 Theres a young girl wandering around, she's quite noticeable due to the fact that she makes the nearby air smell like a Christmas themed candle and is rattling with jingle bells, she doesn't seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings, instead looking down at something in her hands 🎄

@little-elf-candycane

Patrick looks around. He can't see anyone else, but not paying attention when you're on the Gotham streets is a sure fire way to get hurt. He approaches cautiously, wary of what she may be holding.

"Hey!" He waves a hand in front of her face, walking beside her. "I dunno what yer lookin' at but ya need ta watch where yer goin'! If ya ain't careful, someone's gonna mug ya fer whatever ya can't keep yer eyes off of!"

[little-elf-candycane]

The object in her hands looked like an odd mix of a Halloween and Christmas decoration

She blinks as he waves the hand Infront of her.

"Oh- thank you for warning me, I was lost in thought. Do you want a candy cane?" She holds one out towards him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick eyes her suspiciously. He wants to take the candy cane, but his brain tells him otherwise.

"I don't take food from random people."

Patrick looks down at the decoration, then back up at the girl.

"Yer odd." he remarks, speaking his mind. "What're ya doin' out here, walkin' alone? Ya don't look like a street kid, and I don't think I've seen ya before."

[little-elf-candycane]

She looks slightly disappointed before sticking the candy cane in her own mouth and talking through it

"Mokay"

As he looks at it they hold it slightly closer protectively

". . .Oh I don't have a house" she says like she's just realised this "That might be an issue... Well I could ask..." She snaps herself out of her thoughts

"Right uh I was trying to figure out what to do until December cause I got here early" she occasionally takes the candy cane out of her mouth the gesture with it to make a point

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I mean, stores are puttin' up their Christmas decorations, so ya ain't too early."

Patrick pauses.

"Ya aren't from around here, are ya? That'd be why I haven't seen ya before. Or why ya haven't been beaten to a pulp. Ya better find a house to stay in. Ya don't look like ya'd survive on the streets very long."

[little-elf-candycane]

They smile at the mention of the store Christmas decorations.

"Oh yeah no, I was.... " thinking, thinking, thinking. "uhhh, not here. I came here to find my Sibling." A subconscious look down at the thing they were holding

"Do you really think someone would beat me up? Anyway I do have some friends I could ask to stay with so I think I'll be okay" She has finished the candycane at this point and offers you one again silently before starting her own

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Yer sibling gave ya that? What does it say?" He asks. He doesn't bother to try and get a better look at the writing - there's no point if he can't read.

"And yeah, some scumbag would. They think ya've got somethin' valuable, they're cornerin' yer ass in an alleyway."

He pauses, considering the candy cane, then grabs it from her hand.

"I s'pose if ya needed any help gettin' around or keepin' people away I could help ya."

[little-elf-candycane]

She takes the post-it note to Show him anyway

"It's says ' To Candy (that's me) Merry Halloweenmas, from Pumpkin'" she places the note inside the gift with the hearts and the candy cane, this one she hasn't eaten.

She smiles so joyfully when he takes the candy cane

"Well I cant have anyone taking it..." She looks at it in her hands "Okay I'll put it away"

She takes her hat off and gently puts the little pumpkin inside like with a magicians hat and it just disappears in there

"Sure! I'd love to hang out! Would you like anymore snacks too?" She gestures to her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Candy, huh? My name's Patrick."

He starts to suck on the end of the candy cane, watching her. He nods when she says she'll put the present away, and his mouth gapes open as she puts the little pumpkin in her hat.

"Woaah, how did ya do that?!" He asks, crouching down to look underneath the hat. "You have snacks in there too?" He looks at her. "Are ya magic?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Nice to meet you Patrick!"

"Yeah! I am, it's all Christmas magic so I only got Christmas themed snacks but I do got hot chocolate if you want some! And it gives you gifts if you've been good!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Could... could I have a hot chocolate?" he asked timidly. "I haven't had any in years..." He paused. "Also, uh, I don't think I'll be gettin' any presents. Not like Santa's come for me since I've been out here."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Of course you can have some hot chocolate!"

She pulls out a Christmas themed mug filled with the ideal for Patrick and carefully hands it over as to not spill it

"No presents? But that's so sad! Is there anything you want I can see if I can make it"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the mug gently, holding it with two hands on either side.

"Thanks."

"Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd want for a present. I got a home and a bed now, where I can get food easy, so I guess I've got everythin' I need." He pauses, then mumbles under his breath. "Not like Santa can bring my parents."

Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he pulls one hand away from the mug. Strings of goo the colour of his skin hang between the mug and his hands, and his hand has become slightly misshapen.

"That's new."

[little-elf-candycane]

They listen sympathetically as he speaks looking concerned as his hands string from the mug

"Oh Baubles! Are you okay? I don't think skin is supposed to do that! Are you hurt? Are you melting? Can I help?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick grimaces at his hand.

"Gotta be honest, this has never happened before. I guess my cold hand on a hot mug made my hand melt. I had no idea I could melt. Could ya take the mug? I think my hands needta cool down a bit."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah yeah I got it, do you wanna hold some snow? Uh here- just- one sec"

She pulls out a snowball from the hat and holds it out for him while they try to take the cup without grabbing any melted hand

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

Patrick takes the snowball, wincing at the sudden cold.

"Thanks."

He rubs the snowball along the strings trailing from the mug after holding it in his hands. He concentrates, his lips clenching, and the strings begin to pull back into his hands.

"Maybe I better wait for the hot chocolate to cool down."

His tough expression drops for a second, and he looks wistfully at the mug.

[little-elf-candycane]

They are his expression and looks thoughtfully down at the mug, pursing her lips as she thinks.

"It's hot chocolate not lukewarm chocolate..." she complains, not at him but at the situation.

She stares down into the hat like it'll give her answers

"Do you think gloves might help? Or like something to- to- uh in-soo-lay-te the cup?"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I haven't had a hot chocolate in so long, I'll take it hot or cold!"

Patrick thinks for a moment.

"Gloves might work, but I dunno. We could give it a try?" He looks down at her hat. "Might need ta grab some from yer hat though. I don't have any gloves."

[little-elf-candycane]

Their hands were full of cup and hat

She looks so pathetic as you can see the gears tripping and catching in her head trying to figure out a solution

They look so lost trying so hard to find a solution

She stands like that for what feels like forever just staring at the items in her hands before they speak

"Uh- yeah- Uhm- uh-" she looks at her two full hands again

"Do you think you can pull gloves out? My hands are full"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He blinks, then nods.

"Oh, yeah, I can try."

He places a hand in the hat and rummages around, but his fingers hit the bottom and the sides. He frowns, disappointed.

"I guess this thing only works for you, huh? How about I hold it instead, and you can pull out the gloves?"

He hold out a hand to take the hat.

[little-elf-candycane]

She gives him a look, it's almost impossible to read and before you can start untangling any meaning behind it there is already a smile on their face at the given solution.

"Oh right! You have a hand free!" They pass him the hat and she sticks her hand in it.

It takes a second,

two seconds,

three seconds longer than expected

barely noticeable and she pulls out a pair of Christmas red gloves which she offers to him

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes widen, still not used to things being able to be pulled out of hats. The look she gives him, however, causes his guard to go back up. He takes the gloves warily.

"Thanks."

He slips them on, surprised they fit perfectly. He looks at her suspiciously.

"Ya haven't put anythin' in my hot chocolate have ya?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They notice his noticing of her expression and looks slightly ashamed at herself

At the question she is visibly confused

She blinks as she processes the question

"Of course I did? You can see the marshmallows in it right there" Either they are the world's greatest actor or they hadn't even considered the idea of doing something harmful to the drink

She looks down at the hat. Holding his drink out for him to take so her hand is free to take back her hat

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

He takes the mug suspiciously and hands her back her hat. He sniffs the hot chocolate warily. He can't smell anything off about it, so he takes a tentative sip, keeping an eye on Candy for any sort of reaction.

The warm liquid is rich and chocolatey, and Patrick sags slightly as he enjoys the drink. He feels the inside of his mouth melt slightly, but he doesn't care. The marshmallows are sweet and fluffy, and he chews on one before swallowing.

"So, are we gonna go somewhere?"

[little-elf-candycane]

They blink in mild confusion as he eyes her suspiciously.

They smile seeing him enjoy the drink and puts her hat back on hiding the messy hair underneath.

She picks at the end of her long ears

"Oh! Uh did you wanna go somewhere? I was just kinda wandering around aimlessly but if you had somewhere in mind I'd follow!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Well we gotta get ya somewhere to stay, and aren't ya lookin' for ya sibling? Point is, ya can't stay out here on Gotham's streets. I've been livin' on 'em for years, and ya gotta be tough or ya ain't gonna be safe. 'n' no offence," he said, looking her up and down, "but ya don't really look that tough to me. Or wary of yer surroundings. Or street smart."

[little-elf-candycane]

"I'm- ... Not.... very aware of my surroundings you're right.... I have places I can go, I'm just easly distracted"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Are ya just gonna keep wanderin' around or are ya gonna go somewhere? I said I was gonna watch yer back. I know these streets like the back of my hand, and I know which streets to stay away from."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Uhm.. I don't mind! Was you doing anything before I ran into you? We could do that!

You know this place so we'll that's so cool!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Nah, I was just walkin' around. I was lookin' fer food n' I realised I don't hafta do that anymore."

"I kinda hafta know this place, seein' as it's where I used to live. Gotta know where to avoid, where the best places to get food from, the best places to snatch a few dollars."

[little-elf-candycane]

She nods thoughtfully for just slightly too long in silence

"Ah yes, theft, my hat must have been being picky then! I was worried you might be evil" they say much too casually

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Evil? Look, I might steal a few things, but I ain't some supervillain! Ya wouldn't catch me near anyone like that!" He says defensively. "If anythin', you might be the evil one!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah exactly!" She Chirps "I said you're not, I just thought you were cause my hat doesn't like you!"

They are also offended at the returning accusation

"I'm not evil! I'm small and cute and Christmas themed! That's literally three things that are never evil!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Your magic hat has feelin's? That's new. And there are a bunch of villains that are small or cute! And eeevery supervillain has a theme these days. I'm just bein' cautious, that's all. It's gotten me this far."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Yeah my hat has feelings, it's magic that's like what magic does."

"What? No there aren't! Name one supervillain that's small and cute!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've never seen real magic. I mean I've watched some guy pull a rabbit out of a hat but that was sooo fake."

"Yeah there is! Baby Doll is small and cute!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"How do you pick up a rabbit with one hand to take it out a hat?? Wouldn't that be bad for the rabbit?"

"[stuttering] Well I don't know who that is so they dont count! And like villains like steal stuff and hurt people! I don't do that I give stuff to people!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"They pick it up by the ears, but it ain't a real rabbit so it don't get hurt."

"Well how am I supposed to know what ya do? I only just met ya! I don't trust ya, and not trustin' people has gotten me this far!"

[little-elf-candycane]

"You don't trust anyone? Do you not have friends? That's so sad!"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I have a couple of friends, they just gotta earn my trust, ya know? And I earned theirs. If yer not careful, someone could beat ya senseless n leave ya in an alleyway."

[little-elf-candycane]

"That's good! I was worried you were lonely, and that would be bad because you're cool."

"I think if someone tried to hurtt me I would just turn into a doll, I'd be fine"

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Me? Yeah, of course I'm cool!" He says, but really he's surprised and a little flattered.

"Ya can turn into a doll? That's kinda cool. I didn't know ya could do that."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah I can turn into like an elf on the shelf!

Only on accident though.."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"I've seen those in stores. They kinda creep me out, just starin' at me. Is it hard to change back?"

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh yeah they are always watching." They say way too dismissively

"Uhm well it's not like it's hard to turn back but I just sorta have to wait until it happens, I think it can take from like an hour up to a few days. I'm not really sure that's what my brain is telling me."

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

His eyes narrow. "Are they alive like ya are? That's kinda creepy ya know?"

"Yeesh, stuck as a doll for days? Glad when I do my thing I never get stuck. I dunno what I'd do."

[little-elf-candycane]

"Oh not all of them are alive, just most of the ones that are here!"

"Yeah its kinda annoying but like, it's fine."

"What do you think would happen if you got stuck? How would you even get stuck?'

[stretchy-plastic-kid]

"Ya know that really doesn't make me feel better. At least I only see 'em in stores. Sure hope Roy doesn't have one."

"I don't think I'd get stuck - well, once it got real cold n' my arm got stuck bein' long once. Had my friend to hide me though."