My Gentle Giant

Chapter 7: Oh, So That's How That Works.

Time to drive. We're all back in the car, just like we were yesterday. Erratum in the front by me, Null and Void hiding in his coat, and Granny in the back, replacing the groceries. The first thing we need to do is to apply for a replacement SSN card for Erratum and his sons. Then he suggested that we go somewhere to exchange the gold he has to cash. 

It was quite the surprise when he pulled solid gold coins out of the bag he has. He got incredibly lucky that he only lost his wallet and wasn't robbed, or anything. Does that gold have something to do with his scars? 

Well, anyways, this is how we pulled up in front of a Walmart. We figured that since we'll be a while with the cards and gold, we're having Granny start with the shopping while we do the other stuff. I might have picked up the groceries yesterday, but only enough for two people for a couple of weeks. We also have a lot of treats to introduce to them. 

After dropping her off, and a quick Google search, we made our way to the Social Security Administration building. After exiting the car, we spent some time in line. I gave my phone to the boys to keep them entertained while striking up a conversation with Erratum. I noticed that they were getting antsy when they saw the line, so distraction. 

We were in and out in about 15 to 20 minutes. When they asked for an address to send it to, I gave them mine. As if there was anywhere else we can send it to. Had to explain how hard it is to find and move anywhere in a short amount of time (especially with the current housing market) to Erratum while heading to our next destination. I think he finally realized that he's gonna have to stay with us for a lot longer than one night. We'll have to help him find a job after he gets his SSN card. Even with all that gold, having a steady income is always a good idea. You never know what might happen. 

Ok, maybe you can last for a bit on $29,636.64, just as long as you don't make any major purchases like on a car, or a house. Jeez, do I just not want them to leave? Well, at least I'm not the only one that was surprised when Erratum placed 16 gold coins on the pawn shop's counter. The employee checked and double checked with everyone else in the shop, just to make sure it was real. Erratum was the only one not surprised that it was revealed to be solid gold. We immediately went and opened a bank account for him right after. Luckily, Erratum had his birth certificate in his bag, something that surprised him as well, so opening the bank account was a breeze. 

Soon enough, we were back at Walmart. The boys have been on my phone the entire time, cuddling into their dad, while I'm processing the crazy morning we've had so far. 

"Alright, Granny said she's gonna meet us in the baby section. We'll start with the furniture, stop by baby clothes for Void, then the children's section for Null. Also,  shoes for all three of you, check the men's clothing section to see if we can find anything that fits you, and maybe the toy section if you're all not too tired."

"All that in one store?"

"Well, it is Walmart. It prides itself on selling everything it can. And about your sleeping arrangements. I don't think we can fit two beds and a crib in the same room, we have another room we can put them in if you'd like." Null looked up from my phone with the saddest look on his face. "Or maybe not. We could move you all into the other room then, it has a queen sized mattress in there, and there should be enough room for a crib or a small bed in there. Should be more comfortable than the twin you slept on last night." I heard someone calling my name, which turned out to be Granny waving us down, a cart full of food and two different car seats. I completely forgot to add those to the list. At least we remembered to grab another cart as we entered. 

"There you are. Did you get everything  done that you needed to?" Null waved cheerfully as if he wasn't sad less than two seconds ago. Sneaky, little, adorable boy. 

"For today." He immediately took notice of all the baby clothes we were standing by. I just love this section! Everything's so small and cute and aaagh!

"Crib and booster seats for the table first, Erratum. Then we can take our time here." Granny raised her eyebrow at me, as if she knew that I was reminding myself as well. 

Ok, maybe I was. And take our time we did. Thankfully, Granny didn't get anything frozen, or cold, cause we were there for a good couple of hours. Void was too small to try anything on, it's just not an option to try on baby clothes, but we got a little fashion show with Null. So many pictures! 

We had the same with Erratum, ish at least. The shorts were the closest to fitting him, he's just so tall. I'm not sure if we have one of those Big and Tall stores in town or not. I suggested to the others that we might have to order online for Erratum's clothes. 

"Does this store sell fabric, by any chance?" Soon enough, we're in the crafting section. I'm used to fabric shopping with Granny, but the selection they have here is… meager. He took his time examining and feeling the fabric, setting aside the ones that passed.

Occasionally, on the ones that don't, I see something happen to his fingers right before he puts it back down. Sometimes it looks like a word pops up, others it seems as though it scatters into bits. We probably should have lunch soon. 

The boys loved it when we visited the toy section next. The awe on their faces makes it worth every second spent here. Had to make sure they both had a couple of stuffed animals each, their choice of course, some somewhat educational toys, and chalk, bubbles, and other stuff to play with outside. Can't keep them inside when summer is this nice. Even got a small kiddie pool and some pool toys. Of course, we didn't forget the swim suits, among all the other outfits. 

Null was hugging a stuffed spider, and Void gnawed on a ball as we headed to the registers at last. I kind of feel sorry for the teenager running it when we pulled in. Wait a second. 

"Oh, hello there, Clarisse, how's it going? Are you enjoying your summer?" She brightened up a little. 

"Ms. (L/N)! Mrs. G! I'm doing good! And, well, I've been keeping busy." She shrugged as she started scanning through our pile. She managed to scan Null's ball without having to take it from him. "You're teaching Music Theory again this year, right?" A simple nod brought a smile to her face.
"Sweet! I signed up to have it on my Bdays, hopefully afternoon. Mike made it sound like so much fun that I regretted having Mr. Jeckles class."

"Oh, Mr. Jeckles isn't that bad of a teacher, just a bit intense at times." The conversation went on a bit like that until finally the last item was scanned. 

"Alright, your total came to 429 dollars and 95 cents." I reached for my purse when a familiar multicolored hand stopped me. 

"Allow me."

"I can't do that, Erratum, you're our guest."

"I am able to pay for it, and I would like to pay you back for all you have done for us so far. Think of it as what you call 'rent'." Before I could think of a way to argue with his logic, he swiped his new card. I mean, I guess that's fair, considering all this stuff is for him and his family. After receiving a half a mile long receipt, we left, saying goodbye to Clarisse. I heard her say quite a strange statement though, as she turned her attention to the next customer. 

"I swear he looks like a giant version of Coach Error."

(Author's note)

Hey, everyone! Sorry this I posted a whole day late. I have a really good reason....

Yeah, no I don't. I meant to finish writing and post it after fhe yesterday, but instead I watched Miraculous. I swear, not even my family would believe I'm 23.

I'l try my best to post on time next week, no guarantees on which book it will be in tho. Also, little self plugging here, I have the prologue and three chapters of Crossroad Haven posted, just look through my profile. I would post a link to it through here, but that's nigh impossible on a phone. Also a one shot book. I vary posting between these and a Voltron xreader.

Later, guys!