username: butterfly (video, post event)

[digophelia]

[ If it sounds like Alice is daycare, there's a good reason for it. She looks a little tired and very confused. There's a good number of children around her and one decides to plop themselves on her lap.

Oh. Okay. Fine. Deep breaths. ]

Hello, there. Can you stand, just for a minute? It shan't take long, then you can sit in my lap all you want.

[ She shoos him along. Alice heaves a deep sigh, holding her face.] ]

For a small minute, I thought I was back in London. Possibly because I have been around a large number of children, this many, with same limited resources.

I suppose my question is, is there a particular reason why I came back to over a dozen or so children? Not that I mind it, although I wouldn't be opposed to having a bigger space.

[ Yes, when did this happen? Alice has forgotten some tidbits of that fight, after all. ]

Comments

[digophelia]

You again. What do you want?

[perma_banned]

Uhhnn~? [There was a stumble in his steps. Oh--Ban left the thing on.

He was curious as to how crazy Alice was getting as he approached, so he watched--not aware that he didn't have to actually respond to hear anything.]

[digophelia]

[ Whaaaat.

Alice tries to uphold a calm disposition in the presence of children, especially little ones. There's not a whole lot she can do, especially when the same little boy decides to randomly plop himself back on her lap.

She's forgotten how affectionate little children can be when they're happy and active. ]

Or better yet, what are you doing?

[perma_banned]

Ohhh~. She must be talkin' to the brats.

[He looked up to the sky, the jewel around his neck swinging back and forth as he began swaying a bit dangerously.

Ban forgot walking on rooftops required a bit of coordination.]

Wonder if there's more ale stock in the market?

[digophelia]

They're not brats.

[ Never mind some clearly make use of the bed behind her by jumping on it. Alice manages a protective streak, holding the little boy closer. ]

I was asking you.

[perma_banned]

[There was a pause. Numbly, he reached over to his locket and lifted it up. There was a shift as the jewel pointed to his face directly and there he was on the broadcast--eyes dilated from an excess of partying by one's self.]

...Why're you talkin' to me? Ain't got someone better to talk to~?

[digophelia]

They're still not brats.

[ Gently, yet firmly. Alice passes him an incredulous look. ]

Or better yet, I should ask... was this your doing?

[perma_banned]

Mmmm~. [Oh, so that's what it was. Still, she figured it out pretty quickly. Even stumbling on himself, Ban managed a grin that showed every bit of confirmation Alice needed.]

Figured me out? You don't look all that pissed off~. You ain't feelin' stressed out, yet?

[digophelia]

I used to be a caregiver at an orphanage. I'm fairly used to this by now.

[ To some degree, she hopes that explains why she is so ready and willing to for children. ]

They said a tall, white haired man pointed them here. After asking which one, who's just as loud and obnoxious as another, they said really tall. You should be flattered, one of them even said you had spider limbs.

[ Kids are so precious. But really- ]

Might I ask you why you did this?

[perma_banned]

Honestly~? [Because he wanted them sent somewhere safe and a lady desperate enough to protect kids to the point of becoming a mad woman and knifing folks seemed like a good choice. People looked at that kind of madness like an overall sickness, but Ban took it at face value. His sense of judgement relied on an utter lack of bias in that regard.]

That's what they've got to say about me, even after I helped 'em out! What ungrateful brats. I figured they'd have fun tearin' things up, but you went and spoiled the surprise~.

[digophelia]

[ Alice doesn't know him well enough to think otherwise. She has a nagging suspicion that's not necessarily the case, based on what he said about giving children the wrong impression. She's masterful at hiding her emotions and doesn't seem to react to that much.

Or admit to having a slither of respect for him for wanting to help children. ]

It wasn't that far of a walk from the jails, you know. I was released rather quickly. But if I ask for more information about them and their lives, will you comply?

[perma_banned]

Ugh. [She was really starting to mess with his buzz. He was honestly expecting anger and frustration amidst all of it. For Alice to not be spewing curses at him, he could swear she had a serious amount of strength behind her thoughts. She had to break eventually, though. It was unforgivable that she wouldn't cave from that many kids waiting on her.]

Why're you askin' questions? You're not gettin' pissed off and it's weirdin' me out.

[digophelia]

Why would be angry?

[ Oh, sure this many kids is a pain, but she'd rather have them in a cramped room, by herself, rather than out on the streets. ]

Obviously you care about children. I see no reason to be angry with a man who cares about children enough to send them indoors.

[ But he's not going to admit to that, is he? So Alice heaves a loud sigh- ]

Do they have parents, sir?

[perma_banned]

There's somethin' the matter with you, brat. [For the most part, the fact that she was letting his previous indiscretions slide was abysmally confusing. He knew everything he had done up to that point was wrong and cruel, but for some reason she wasn't seeing it, anymore.]

How the hell would I know about 'em?

[digophelia]

If memory serves right, sir, it was you who said not to give them the idea that violence was acceptable to protect others.

[ She actually finds herself chiding at him, almost like a scolding mother. ]

And you said you would send them my way. I see what you mean now. I'll admit, I find that a little noble.

[ Still, she's very stubborn and won't let it go. ]

Because they spoke of you, they didn't seem to be too upset with you and children are very impressionable, they can be easily frightened. I'm sure you know, it will help them. You want them to be safe, don't you?

[perma_banned]

[What she was saying stung. Though, Ban fell bad on his usual reserves when he was cornered--his lips twisting into an unwholesome sneer when he realized he was seen through.

He wouldn't tolerate that sort of praise, even if it was mild. He wasn't someone who prided himself on good qualities--rather, he prioritized torturing himself about his worst qualities. Alice saying that much to him was something he couldn't forgive.

So, the bottle in his hand was thrown down, shattering on a thick beam in the roof he stood on.]

Oi, bitch. Say another word and I'll kill ya'~.

[digophelia]

Then answer my questions.

[ It's not the first time she's heard either words, in similar contexts. She's hardened and decides she won't drop it. Alice adjusts herself and actually starts to get a little angry. But her anger is icy and composed. ]

Tell me if they have families or not.

[ And on that note, why is he getting upset over that? Alice does what she can to restrain herself. Alice adjusts herself, leaning into view closer. ]

Tell me what you know about them. I know that you know that not every adult would want to bring in children just to care for them. I don't have the resources to shelter them, but I will protect them.

[perma_banned]

[He had his reasons. Alice annoyed him, focusing on something he did, tolerating him because of it. She should have known better, but--]

Don't act like havin' a family matters.

[It could be a blessing or a curse. For a number of those children, Ban didn't even need to know about them. If they stuck with Alice above their own families, it would be plenty telling.

He knew that wasn't quite why she was asking it, but it was important.]

Like hell if I know all that.

[digophelia]

An orphan asking for the sake of possibly other orphans.

[ She almost raises her voice, but due to children being in her presence, Alice refrains. It was an omission alright, but not the one she wanted, at least, not in fully. By now, she isn't sure whether or not she takes his word. ]

But you still stopped for them, despite how much of a thorn in my side you have been.

[ She can't handle this much pressure, she wishes she had more help and more sleep. Alice finds herself too tired to press. ]

So be it, then. I shall still see to it that they're cared for, regardless. Whether you like it or not, you can take solace in that.

[perma_banned]

[There wasn't much Ban could really say on that. Alice had been taking care of them just fine that day. She had to have. If she was out of prison as long as he was--]

...Fine. Course, if they don't get fed well enough or they don't sleep--

[His response was dark, though his tone seemed to not match it. The thing about Ban was--he was someone who didn't use his words poorly. As much as he teased and messed with people, one couldn't say he was a liar.]

I'll take them.

1/2

[digophelia]

I know. Why do you think I am the way I am?

[ Small, pale, and not very fit. Alice is a slight of a girl for a reason. ]

[digophelia]

[ And Alice is back to where she was, back in London. She allows just this moment of visible exhaustion to take a toll on her face. A slight groan.

Normally, she would be so apprehensive handing over the care of children to others, but she's tired and at least so far he seems to share a similar sentiment with orphans. ]

If that is not a burden you can handle, then you don't have to.

[ No she's actually getting angry. ]

So we're clear, sir, you don't have to do it alone. I propose we alternate.

[perma_banned]

[There were few satisfactory answers for Ban, but it seemed Alice had provided one. He didn't remember much of his drunk harassment when it came to her, but it answered a question as to why she was so damned skinny. The sway had left Ban as he recognized it for what it was.

She was alone, too.

Still, he lacked the ability to show sympathy. In the wake of meeting someone like him, Ban had nothing good to offer.]

Alternate? I ain't takin' on stinky brats on a whim. If you can't do it, then they're mine. End a' story.

[It was, at least, a relief to know there was someone who knew that harsh world with a good heart.]

[digophelia]

Caring for that many children by yourself is overwhelming. I wasn't fortunate to have others come and offer help when I cared for orphans. Not even the owner of that establishment cared to ask for them.

[ Which is why, in a way, she appreciates what he did. Even if she's exhausted, she still appreciates it. ]

It doesn't mean I won't still seek to care for them, either. No, I should.

[perma_banned]

Don't care about excuses. [Ban wouldn't coddle Alice. He knew that taking care of kids would be hard, but that was the problem with caring about others. It was hard to actually genuinely act nice and be nice at the same time.

She'd break her back if she was being genuine.]