Parting of Echoes

VII

Orlando had Hephaestus' hand in his own, holding him so he wouldn't wander off to go see the ongoings around them. He knew Andromeda and Prometheus wouldn't wander off, but the youngest child was unfortunately a flight risk due to how easily he became intrigued in different things or people. Currently, the were being led down the very same corridor he'd walked down months ago when he'd stepped off the elevator, a different man leading them this time. Andromeda was quiet as they walked, merely glancing at different things while Prometheus kept his eyes on the man in front of him, as if wary. Hephaestus had a wide smile on his face, using his free hand to show Pip all the new things they were seeing. It was as if he hadn't been here before, which struck him as odd given the amount of children he'd seen upon his first arrival.

Once inside, he spotted what looked to be less boys and different ones as well, and this piqued his interest, as he wondered what could have happened. They made their way to Raul's office, the two older boys sticking close to Orlando, not interested in socializing while Hephaestus greeted the new faces excitedly, trying to break free from his caretaker's hold.

"Nothing will happen if you let them socialize,"the man finally spoke up, looking back at Orlando, who looked at the man with mild annoyance.

"Only Hephaestus wants to socialize,"he pointed out, tilting his head. "And he's a flight risk. "He added, making his way past the guy in order to get inside the office.

If the other man gave him a sour face, Orlando didn't pay it any attention, as he wasn't the one paying him nor in charge of the kids. Raul was sitting down, a small smile on his face as he motioned for Orlando to take a seat. The tall man instead had the kids take a seat, having Andromeda share with the youngest while Prometheus got his own chair. "I'm fine standing,"Orlando said, resting his arms on the top of Prometheus' chair, looking at Raul once more. "What questions do you have?"he asked, not really in the mood for interacting, but acknowledging that he needed to in this job.

"I just wanted to check up on you, in person."Raul said, keeping that smile on his face, looking at the three boys now, "How do you like Ichor?"he asked them, Orlando looking at them, wondering what their opinion was, though it would likely be more positive due to his actual presence. Relaxing his shoulders, he stood straight instead, "How about I leave the room and let them be honest."He suggested, Raul nodding in approval before the black haired man stepped outside, closing the door behind them. He didn't necessarily trust Raul, but the kids did so he figured it was alright to leave them there with him alone.

He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he closed his eyes, remaining relaxed as he stood. Losing his current job wasn't a concern, since he'd been trying his best to keep up with the kids' needs and wants; trying to keep them happy. They seemed happy and at least more comfortable with him than they were initially, which was a relief and a sign of growing bonds. Only mildly concerning events were his days where his moods were absolutely horrendous— days where he'd try to still be a good caretaker but ended up not being able to care for himself, instead wallowing in his room, refusing to leave it once he'd cared for the children. Those days, he loathed with every cell in his body, wanting to do something but being unable to because of his emotional condition at that time.

Here, there was no one to talk to about this issue, no comfort, no safety, no net– no anything. In this sense, he was alone, as back home he at least had medication and support systems, but now? Now he had further stressors and any sense of comfort taken away, leaving him to only have the kids to rely on, and he didn't want that, yet he'd still accept whatever little comfort they could provide. His own family was never good at such things, and they all shared common traits, yet they all were piss-poor at emotional comfort or stability. It was as pathetic to him as it was funny. Never did he think he'd be in a position where he'd have any kids to care for, much less have them be some form of comfort to his emotional wellbeing. What a laugh, he thought bitterly, opening his eyes, looking down, spotting one of the boys from the living room looking up at him with big brown eyes, freckles splattered all over as his hazel hair stuck out in every direction it could. In a way, he reminded Orlando of Hephaestus, what with the small stature and innocence in his eyes.