The rolling garage doors to the station were open wide, and flyers had been posted all month advertising the family-friendly event. Kids could even sit in the fire trucks if they asked about it, and there was a bake sale table set up off to the side with a sign promising that all proceeds would go to bettering the department. Everyone inside was bustling around busily to finish up preparations.
"Anybody got a light? I-Uh..." Spencer Graves started to ask the firefighters before he trailed off when he noticed the disapproving looks aimed at him from all directions. "A'ight, fine," groaned softly, repocketing his pack of cigs and adjusting the stethoscope around his neck awkwardly. Everyone else at this particular Firehouse Trunk or Treat event was in costume, ranging from Beemo to vampires, and even an inflated dinosaur who was riding the figurative struggle bus pretty hardcore. Spencer himself was dressed as a doctor in black scrubs, which was incredibly lazy one might say, due to his occupation and the fact that scrubs were an everyday staple in his life regardless. In his defense however, he was just a volunteer for this station when he had nothing better to do and had been roped into helping because his brother, the actual firefighter, was too busy elsewhere. He definitely could have imagined far better things to do than handing out candy to screaming kiddos, but maybe it wouldn't be all that bad if he just embraced it.
That said, the doc sat a large bowl of candy on one of the tables with a loud thump, causing poor Beemo to flinch in surprise and panic-throw the streamer he had been hanging across the station, nearly hitting one of the vampires in the head with it. Spencer pulled up a chair with an unapologetic chuckle of amusement, plopping into it to await the trick-or-treaters.
"Anybody got a light? I-Uh..." Spencer Graves started to ask the firefighters before he trailed off when he noticed the disapproving looks aimed at him from all directions. "A'ight, fine," groaned softly, repocketing his pack of cigs and adjusting the stethoscope around his neck awkwardly. Everyone else at this particular Firehouse Trunk or Treat event was in costume, ranging from Beemo to vampires, and even an inflated dinosaur who was riding the figurative struggle bus pretty hardcore. Spencer himself was dressed as a doctor in black scrubs, which was incredibly lazy one might say, due to his occupation and the fact that scrubs were an everyday staple in his life regardless. In his defense however, he was just a volunteer for this station when he had nothing better to do and had been roped into helping because his brother, the actual firefighter, was too busy elsewhere. He definitely could have imagined far better things to do than handing out candy to screaming kiddos, but maybe it wouldn't be all that bad if he just embraced it.
That said, the doc sat a large bowl of candy on one of the tables with a loud thump, causing poor Beemo to flinch in surprise and panic-throw the streamer he had been hanging across the station, nearly hitting one of the vampires in the head with it. Spencer pulled up a chair with an unapologetic chuckle of amusement, plopping into it to await the trick-or-treaters.
A little girl in a flower costume scampers ahead of her nurse maid, fabric petals bobbing wildly around her head as she runs. Her skin is black as ink, her hair ghostly white. And the fabric flower petals wreathing her face? Cheerful, bold yellow, as primary a color as you might find in a box of crayolas. The rest of her clothing is green, with felt leaves pinned here and there.
She is among the first to enter the garage when the doors are thrown wide, and finds herself in front of Spencer, gesticulating with wild excitement toward the fire truck. "Is it true?" she squeals.
She is among the first to enter the garage when the doors are thrown wide, and finds herself in front of Spencer, gesticulating with wild excitement toward the fire truck. "Is it true?" she squeals.
Spence raised his attention to the approaching duo, pocketing his phone as the inky flower child reached him. She was oozing excitement in figurative waves, and it was rather contagious, easily turning his grumpy frown into a warm smile. "Heya kiddo. Hm- is what..." he started to ask in confusion before that abyssal gaze of his flicked to follow her gesture towards the truck, "Oh! Is it true that you can sit in the truck? Yes, yes it is. I'm guessing that's something you'd be interested in, then?" Going by the squeal and excitement, it didn't take rocket science to deduce as much.
"Come on, let's head over for a closer look, yeah?" he offered, standing from his place at the table and motioning for both child and nurse to follow along. He would open the passenger door to the fire truck, helping the child up into the seat if needed, before moving to hop into the driver's seat to talk to her again, "Pretty cool, right? See that big switch over there? That's the lights and sirens. Wanna hear it go wee-woo? Go ahead and give it a shot." Did kids still love buttons they weren't usually allowed to press? Or had that changed over the years? Either way, if she flipped said switch, Beemo would give a sudden banshee shriek of surprise, whipping around to shoot Spencer a hateful glare for lack of warning.
"Come on, let's head over for a closer look, yeah?" he offered, standing from his place at the table and motioning for both child and nurse to follow along. He would open the passenger door to the fire truck, helping the child up into the seat if needed, before moving to hop into the driver's seat to talk to her again, "Pretty cool, right? See that big switch over there? That's the lights and sirens. Wanna hear it go wee-woo? Go ahead and give it a shot." Did kids still love buttons they weren't usually allowed to press? Or had that changed over the years? Either way, if she flipped said switch, Beemo would give a sudden banshee shriek of surprise, whipping around to shoot Spencer a hateful glare for lack of warning.
Rayna adored Halloween.
The outfits, the music, the fun little foods. It was a time that literally screamed fun, sass and spooky activities. Haunted houses, costume shopping, parties, and all other manner of things that involved this wonderful holiday. This particular year, Rayna chose her costume carefully. A white corset top, a black tie, black fishnet stockings, white gloves and a black steampunk hat, complete with little gears and chains, along with a blunt-tipped whip on her side all attributed to the perfect Ringmaster.
Strong legs, wrapped in boots of knee-high length, moved her throughout the town, sharp eyes taking in display after display, until she rounded the corner to the local firehouse. She grinned her pretty smile as dark eyes moved across the lot. She chuckled as she saw the children, and let her eyes land on the only other adult she could currently see, but waited a moment for him to finish what he was doing. Walking over to a doctor in black scrubs, she cautiously asked; “Working here at the house or just working the party?”
The outfits, the music, the fun little foods. It was a time that literally screamed fun, sass and spooky activities. Haunted houses, costume shopping, parties, and all other manner of things that involved this wonderful holiday. This particular year, Rayna chose her costume carefully. A white corset top, a black tie, black fishnet stockings, white gloves and a black steampunk hat, complete with little gears and chains, along with a blunt-tipped whip on her side all attributed to the perfect Ringmaster.
Strong legs, wrapped in boots of knee-high length, moved her throughout the town, sharp eyes taking in display after display, until she rounded the corner to the local firehouse. She grinned her pretty smile as dark eyes moved across the lot. She chuckled as she saw the children, and let her eyes land on the only other adult she could currently see, but waited a moment for him to finish what he was doing. Walking over to a doctor in black scrubs, she cautiously asked; “Working here at the house or just working the party?”
He had been busy in the kitchen for the last hour preparing burgers and hot dogs for the trick or treaters that were expected to come by the firehouse. He, the most unlikely cook in the entire building, found a sense of relaxation in the quiet of the kitchen and the loose science that is cooking. He had been taught to cook by one of those people that didn’t follow recipes. It was a dash of this, a pinch, of that until it smelled just right and tasted even better. He had never been formally trained in the kitchen, but he understood the mechanics of the art and that was enough for him. Rather, no one had ever complained about the food he put on the table during their shifts and, when he worked, they never asked him not to cook. Not to mention, every plate was usually licked clean.
He transferred the medium-well burgers and the slightly charred hot dogs from the flattop grill to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. He balanced the cookie sheet piled high with meat on his left palm as he walked over to the paper grocery bag he had prepared earlier. He grabbed the bag in his right arm, holding it against his body, and headed out of the firehouse and into the garage area. He made his way over to a set of long tables he had set up earlier that day. He placed the cookie sheet down on the table and then set the paper bag down next to it. He unpacked the hamburger and hotdog buns and set them next to the cookie sheet of meat. He next pulled out a stack of paper plates and set them next to the meat to indicate the start of the line. He then laid out a plate of assorted cheeses and a plate of chopped veggies. The plates were covered in plastic wrap to protect them from flies and the elements. He then set out a few bottles each of pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Then some cutlery – forks and knives. He was looking at the table, trying to decide if he had forgotten anything.
He transferred the medium-well burgers and the slightly charred hot dogs from the flattop grill to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. He balanced the cookie sheet piled high with meat on his left palm as he walked over to the paper grocery bag he had prepared earlier. He grabbed the bag in his right arm, holding it against his body, and headed out of the firehouse and into the garage area. He made his way over to a set of long tables he had set up earlier that day. He placed the cookie sheet down on the table and then set the paper bag down next to it. He unpacked the hamburger and hotdog buns and set them next to the cookie sheet of meat. He next pulled out a stack of paper plates and set them next to the meat to indicate the start of the line. He then laid out a plate of assorted cheeses and a plate of chopped veggies. The plates were covered in plastic wrap to protect them from flies and the elements. He then set out a few bottles each of pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Then some cutlery – forks and knives. He was looking at the table, trying to decide if he had forgotten anything.
As Spencer came to the realization of what she was asking about, she grinned, bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement. "Yes, yes!" she pipes, and skips over to the truck with him.
The little girl is quite diminutive, and apparently used to people helping her, as she accepts Spencer's help immediately to get into the cab of the fire engine. Her nurse hovers about ten feet away, watching cautiously but not interfering.
Kids DO still love to push buttons, especially fancy new buttons they've never seen before. Aria flips the switch and shrieks with laughter as the lights start going.
The little girl is quite diminutive, and apparently used to people helping her, as she accepts Spencer's help immediately to get into the cab of the fire engine. Her nurse hovers about ten feet away, watching cautiously but not interfering.
Kids DO still love to push buttons, especially fancy new buttons they've never seen before. Aria flips the switch and shrieks with laughter as the lights start going.
Spencer laughed with Aria, and even more so at the glare he was flashed from the startled guy in costume. Beemo seemed to have had it with these shenanigans and marched towards the tables Meph set up to check out what smelled so good. "I should have asked you to cater for my Aunt Sally's wedding, this food smells ama-zing," the lanky fireman was saying to Meph with an approving nod, completely forgetting about Spencer and the scare incidents.
"Ta da?" Spencer grinned, "You're a natural, kiddo." The vampire-costumed male headed over and opened the door, offering to take over showing Aria the ins and outs of the truck in better detail since he actually drove it. Spence nodded warmly to the child, "A'ight, I'm gonna go check on the treat bowl, you make sure to come see me for treats too before you go, okay? Jeff here is gonna tell you what all the cool buttons do!"
Spence made his way back to the seat he'd been at prior, blinking when he was approached before he quite made it there. "Oh uh, heya," he greeted warmly, those abyssal eyes soaking in her costume curiously, "Both, actually. Well... kinda. I volunteer here on weekends as I'm able, but it's not my full-time job. Are you an actual Ringmaster or do you just look the part really well?" A compliment, obvious by the playful smile that tugged at his features, "Also, are you here from the flyer or just passing through? If the latter, I'll be the first to inform you that we have a bake sale goin' on over there with Jess, the lady in the pirate dress, and it looks like burgers and hotdogs over there on the other side. And then, of course, the big bowl of treats for the trick-or-treaters." He nodded to the bowl he had been placed in charge of.
"Ta da?" Spencer grinned, "You're a natural, kiddo." The vampire-costumed male headed over and opened the door, offering to take over showing Aria the ins and outs of the truck in better detail since he actually drove it. Spence nodded warmly to the child, "A'ight, I'm gonna go check on the treat bowl, you make sure to come see me for treats too before you go, okay? Jeff here is gonna tell you what all the cool buttons do!"
Spence made his way back to the seat he'd been at prior, blinking when he was approached before he quite made it there. "Oh uh, heya," he greeted warmly, those abyssal eyes soaking in her costume curiously, "Both, actually. Well... kinda. I volunteer here on weekends as I'm able, but it's not my full-time job. Are you an actual Ringmaster or do you just look the part really well?" A compliment, obvious by the playful smile that tugged at his features, "Also, are you here from the flyer or just passing through? If the latter, I'll be the first to inform you that we have a bake sale goin' on over there with Jess, the lady in the pirate dress, and it looks like burgers and hotdogs over there on the other side. And then, of course, the big bowl of treats for the trick-or-treaters." He nodded to the bowl he had been placed in charge of.
Hearing the sounds of footsteps on concrete he expected that someone was approaching the table for food. However, he was not expecting to see a rendition of a 90's Gameboy. He eyed the costume for a moment and then reached for one of the paper plates. He handed the empty plate to the Beemo clad gentleman and prepared to speak. It wasn't something Meph did often. He swallowed awkwardly and then said softly, "I have never attended a wedding."
Meph was a very large man. Standing at six feet, five inches, and was muscled like a professional athlete. He was sometimes called Thor's bigger brother in jest by the other guys in his crew. However, when he spoke, it didn't match his hulking size. It seemed to almost carry the shyness of a child.
When the siren blared, Meph tensed and whipped around eyeing the scene. His heart was beating rapidly at the startle but, as he assessed and confirmed it was only a child playing, he relaxed. His eyes swept the garage to see what kind of crowd they were attracting.
Meph was a very large man. Standing at six feet, five inches, and was muscled like a professional athlete. He was sometimes called Thor's bigger brother in jest by the other guys in his crew. However, when he spoke, it didn't match his hulking size. It seemed to almost carry the shyness of a child.
When the siren blared, Meph tensed and whipped around eyeing the scene. His heart was beating rapidly at the startle but, as he assessed and confirmed it was only a child playing, he relaxed. His eyes swept the garage to see what kind of crowd they were attracting.
Rayna could tell she had surprised the man just a little bit. She hadn’t realized that he might’ve been in the middle of moving elsewhere, but he had engaged with her anyways. Rayna smirked at him, his answer telling her that he was technically working both. Well, sometimes worked both. She smiled at this. “Hey, volunteer work counts.” She told him before he asked another question.
At it, she smirked down at her outfit, and then back at him. “For the evening, just playing one. But I am really good with a whip if the need arises.” She laughed in an obvious joking manner. “And no, I was just walking around looking at everything. I saw this as I came around the corner.”
As she listened to him tell her that there was a bake-sale, her head turned in the direction, only to catch sight of someone she actually knew. Brightness was in her as she waved a gloved hand to the massive blonde standing there. “Oh you’re in for a great meal with him around.” She knew Meph would hear the compliment, but didn’t comment further as she turned back to Spencer, as he pointed out the candy-bowl. She chuckled lightly as she pondered playfully; “Are you in charge of the candy? Here to box those trying to get it?”
At it, she smirked down at her outfit, and then back at him. “For the evening, just playing one. But I am really good with a whip if the need arises.” She laughed in an obvious joking manner. “And no, I was just walking around looking at everything. I saw this as I came around the corner.”
As she listened to him tell her that there was a bake-sale, her head turned in the direction, only to catch sight of someone she actually knew. Brightness was in her as she waved a gloved hand to the massive blonde standing there. “Oh you’re in for a great meal with him around.” She knew Meph would hear the compliment, but didn’t comment further as she turned back to Spencer, as he pointed out the candy-bowl. She chuckled lightly as she pondered playfully; “Are you in charge of the candy? Here to box those trying to get it?”
Jooters had been exploring the town all day by now. The kid always seemed to possess no lack of energy on Halloween, being his favorite holiday of all! (except his birthday, of course.)
His next stop was a nearby fire station. He had seen the posters up around town, and he always thought fire fighters were so cool! Red was one of his favorite colors, after all.
The cat was clad in a witch's costume. It was fairly well detailed and high quality, his family being quite wealthy and his mother loving to spoil the boy. Bows littered the outfit and it's material is silky and soft.
He ran up to the fire station, pumpkin shaped bucket in hand. It was already quite full of candy, but definitely not full enough for him.
"Trick or treat!" He exclaimed.
His next stop was a nearby fire station. He had seen the posters up around town, and he always thought fire fighters were so cool! Red was one of his favorite colors, after all.
The cat was clad in a witch's costume. It was fairly well detailed and high quality, his family being quite wealthy and his mother loving to spoil the boy. Bows littered the outfit and it's material is silky and soft.
He ran up to the fire station, pumpkin shaped bucket in hand. It was already quite full of candy, but definitely not full enough for him.
"Trick or treat!" He exclaimed.
Meph wasn't what you would call social. He was very quiet, private, and kept to himself. But, when it came to an emergency, he was the first guy you would want on the scene. Calm, cool headed, and confident. Meph was the leader of the search and rescue group at the station. He was the guy they sent into the burning buildings first to search for survivors. He was a little bit of a local celebrity, rather he was in the newspaper often, but he never gave comments and hid from the cameras.
When he spotted Reyna by the candy bowl he offered her a polite nod to acknowledge her. They weren't friends. They had encountered each other on runs more than once. A few times they had even run together. Though, they hadn't talked much. She was a face he knew and her energy was pleasant to him. If she came over, he would be happy to engage. However, she was currently talking to the doctor and Meph wasn't about to interrupt.
When he spotted Reyna by the candy bowl he offered her a polite nod to acknowledge her. They weren't friends. They had encountered each other on runs more than once. A few times they had even run together. Though, they hadn't talked much. She was a face he knew and her energy was pleasant to him. If she came over, he would be happy to engage. However, she was currently talking to the doctor and Meph wasn't about to interrupt.
The little girl excitedly peppers the "vampire" with questions about fire engines and fighting fires, many involving entirely fanciful situations and misunderstandings about what the truck might be able to do that seem to be based on frequent readings of The Magic School Bus. The horn is honked a few more times before her nurse gently pulls her out of the cab and half-carries her over to the bake sale table to support the local firefighters. Aria excitedly selects a chocolate cupcake, the nurse a slice of banana nut bread, and she has barely finished paying for the two selections before Aria is dragging her by the hand back over to Spencer for a treat.
Halloween, of all the events the club got themselves involved in this was her least favorite, this year they were doing several different events to support the community, back at the clubhouse they had set up a haunted house, aimed more at teens and adults, there was a children's corn maze out on of the properties they owned outside of town and here, she and several others had been tasked with doing the escorted trick or treats, taking groups of children who might not have families able to take them out, to afford costumes, some of them didn't have families at all, coming from foster homes and the system. Merrick was in charge of a small sized group of children, taking them around the town, the club had provided them all little outfits, little buckets shaped like pumpkins for their candy. Even Merrick was somewhat reluctantly dressed up, only in so much as she now wore a witches had perched on top of her head, the rest of her outfit her usual getup, black combat pants over black leather boots, a thin light hoodie and a leather cut over the top.
Blowing a strand of blonde hair from her face she tried to herd the chittering excited children towards the firehouse, mentally counting them as she ferried them along, she had another 30 mins and then she was tagging out and another club member tagging in to finish the night for this group, ferrying them back in a minibus to the clubhouse for parents and carers to collect. Only half an hour more of screaming, inane chatter, sticky hands and so many questions. Walking to the large open roller doors Merrick could smell the hot temptation of cooked meat, so much nicer than the constant sweet of candy she had been dealing with all night. "Right, lets find you all the candy, then something to eat, you have half an hour, no straying, no strangers"
Blowing a strand of blonde hair from her face she tried to herd the chittering excited children towards the firehouse, mentally counting them as she ferried them along, she had another 30 mins and then she was tagging out and another club member tagging in to finish the night for this group, ferrying them back in a minibus to the clubhouse for parents and carers to collect. Only half an hour more of screaming, inane chatter, sticky hands and so many questions. Walking to the large open roller doors Merrick could smell the hot temptation of cooked meat, so much nicer than the constant sweet of candy she had been dealing with all night. "Right, lets find you all the candy, then something to eat, you have half an hour, no straying, no strangers"
The smell of sweets and savories wafted throughout the streets, around the corners, down the allies, and into the nostrils of a particularly famished feline. Having taken on the unfortunate disposition of a worldly little ally cat, Balthazar lept from the top of a dumpster and landed pristinely on all four paws with a light thump. Led by the pink, twitching nose at the end of his furry face, the cat trotted after the come-hither scents of a hopeful meal.
He followed his nose with precision, tail in the air swishing to and fro to his happy canter. The food wasn't far by any stretch and the sounds of giddy children and gruff, tired parents manning the chaos of their excited youths could easily be ignored in favor of the promise of meat. When he finally happened upon the fire station, Balthazar was immediately jarred from his reverie by a blaring speaker setup casting spooky-themed music and the bright, rotating lights from atop the fire truck.
The feline shook his head to gain his bearings and adjusted his stance. Food was far more important than the medley of mayhem that was the wandering people, the cacophony of sounds, and strange outfits. Balthazar continued his trek to the source of his desires until he finally found it -- well, it and the one responsible for crafting the delicious cuisines. Quite the imposing figure!
He maintained his distance for now, gauging Meph and his prepped tables, weighing his options, perhaps even waiting for the perfect opportunity to snatch and go...
He followed his nose with precision, tail in the air swishing to and fro to his happy canter. The food wasn't far by any stretch and the sounds of giddy children and gruff, tired parents manning the chaos of their excited youths could easily be ignored in favor of the promise of meat. When he finally happened upon the fire station, Balthazar was immediately jarred from his reverie by a blaring speaker setup casting spooky-themed music and the bright, rotating lights from atop the fire truck.
The feline shook his head to gain his bearings and adjusted his stance. Food was far more important than the medley of mayhem that was the wandering people, the cacophony of sounds, and strange outfits. Balthazar continued his trek to the source of his desires until he finally found it -- well, it and the one responsible for crafting the delicious cuisines. Quite the imposing figure!
He maintained his distance for now, gauging Meph and his prepped tables, weighing his options, perhaps even waiting for the perfect opportunity to snatch and go...
(Sorry for the delay, IRL got kinda rough so bear with me if I miss anything! ^^)
"Oh, weddings are so fun!" Beemo chirped, "10/10 would recommend." He just liked going for free food himself, cake especially, but he didn't say that out loud. "Guys these burgers are the bee's knees, best come get some before I eat them allll~" he half yelled, half sang at the others in the station, shooting Spence another glare, "Not you though Doc, you stay waaay over there. He likes scaring me too much.."
Speaking of Spencer, he smiled brightly when Rayna said volunteer work counted, giving a light shrug in agreement. His brows rose when she mentioned being good with a whip, a playful laugh bubbling past his lips, "Noted. I'll be sure to look you up if the need arises." He crossed his arms casually, falling into comfortable conversation with the woman, "Ah, I gotcha." His gaze followed hers to Meph and he smiled with warm interest, "Oh really? I don't think I know-" He was interrupted by Beemo yelling to everyone and shook his head, "Well, apparently you're right if that hateful little guy likes it. Haha." Spence rolled his eyes at the bit about him staying way over here, barely having caught it due to that enhanced hearing of his, but even without hearing him, the glare would have told the doc plenty.
"I meannn..." he grinned goofily when she suggested he was there to box anyone trying to get the candy, "Oop, hey there Witchy Kitty! Pardon me juuust a sec Ringmaster." He moved to meet Joot with a warm smile, "I like your pumpkin, I have one super similar at home." He took a couple of handfuls from the candy bowl and gently dropped them into said pumpkin, "There ya go! Happy Halloween. Feel free to grab a burger or hotdog for the road if you wanna too. Witches gotta eat." If he was no longer needed at the candy bowl he turned back to Rayna, "Seee? I'm not boxing anyone.. yet."
Jeff answered every question Aria had with enthusiastic flare and bright stories of heroism from the team. Though it wasn't the Magic School Bus, he hoped he left her with a magical enough impression, grinning as she honked the horn. Thankfully the easily scared Beemo was across the station and not so finicky. "Welcome back!" Spencer greeted Aria when she returned for treats, "Did you have fun?" He scooped up two handfuls for her treat bag as well, gently dropped them inside, "Happy Halloween!"
Oh wow that was.. a lot of kiddos. He glanced to Rayna if she was still standing nearby, "Hey, no pressure, but do you think you could give me a quick hand with the group? I've been putting two handfuls each since we have such a massive bowl." Then to Merrik, "Welcome to New Haven Fire Station, looks like you got your hands full a little bit. We have a bake sale over there, free food over on that side, and I can give the kiddos their treats if they make a couple of lines for me." Spencer was currently so wrapped up in his treat bowl duties that he hadn't spotted the cat. Ohh but Beemo had. "Such a fluffy little floof!" he gushed, "Kitty cat want a-a- ACHOO!" Yeah, he had forgotten that he was allergic to cats, and spoke to Meph again once he had composed himself, "Pardon me! I uh.. I think he's hungry. Care to help him so he can skedaddle? I am quite allergic."
"Oh, weddings are so fun!" Beemo chirped, "10/10 would recommend." He just liked going for free food himself, cake especially, but he didn't say that out loud. "Guys these burgers are the bee's knees, best come get some before I eat them allll~" he half yelled, half sang at the others in the station, shooting Spence another glare, "Not you though Doc, you stay waaay over there. He likes scaring me too much.."
Speaking of Spencer, he smiled brightly when Rayna said volunteer work counted, giving a light shrug in agreement. His brows rose when she mentioned being good with a whip, a playful laugh bubbling past his lips, "Noted. I'll be sure to look you up if the need arises." He crossed his arms casually, falling into comfortable conversation with the woman, "Ah, I gotcha." His gaze followed hers to Meph and he smiled with warm interest, "Oh really? I don't think I know-" He was interrupted by Beemo yelling to everyone and shook his head, "Well, apparently you're right if that hateful little guy likes it. Haha." Spence rolled his eyes at the bit about him staying way over here, barely having caught it due to that enhanced hearing of his, but even without hearing him, the glare would have told the doc plenty.
"I meannn..." he grinned goofily when she suggested he was there to box anyone trying to get the candy, "Oop, hey there Witchy Kitty! Pardon me juuust a sec Ringmaster." He moved to meet Joot with a warm smile, "I like your pumpkin, I have one super similar at home." He took a couple of handfuls from the candy bowl and gently dropped them into said pumpkin, "There ya go! Happy Halloween. Feel free to grab a burger or hotdog for the road if you wanna too. Witches gotta eat." If he was no longer needed at the candy bowl he turned back to Rayna, "Seee? I'm not boxing anyone.. yet."
Jeff answered every question Aria had with enthusiastic flare and bright stories of heroism from the team. Though it wasn't the Magic School Bus, he hoped he left her with a magical enough impression, grinning as she honked the horn. Thankfully the easily scared Beemo was across the station and not so finicky. "Welcome back!" Spencer greeted Aria when she returned for treats, "Did you have fun?" He scooped up two handfuls for her treat bag as well, gently dropped them inside, "Happy Halloween!"
Oh wow that was.. a lot of kiddos. He glanced to Rayna if she was still standing nearby, "Hey, no pressure, but do you think you could give me a quick hand with the group? I've been putting two handfuls each since we have such a massive bowl." Then to Merrik, "Welcome to New Haven Fire Station, looks like you got your hands full a little bit. We have a bake sale over there, free food over on that side, and I can give the kiddos their treats if they make a couple of lines for me." Spencer was currently so wrapped up in his treat bowl duties that he hadn't spotted the cat. Ohh but Beemo had. "Such a fluffy little floof!" he gushed, "Kitty cat want a-a- ACHOO!" Yeah, he had forgotten that he was allergic to cats, and spoke to Meph again once he had composed himself, "Pardon me! I uh.. I think he's hungry. Care to help him so he can skedaddle? I am quite allergic."
Aria hugs her treat bag to herself, abruptly looking shy as a large influx of other children come in. She starts to shuffle toward her nurse, ready to go, but pauses as the tutting noise her nurse makes. Remembering her manners, she turns back to Spencer and murmurs a, "Thank you, sir!"
She is guided by the hand back to the fire truck to thank Jeff as well, before she is led back out into the night to continue her trick or treating.
She is guided by the hand back to the fire truck to thank Jeff as well, before she is led back out into the night to continue her trick or treating.
His eyes left Rayna and the doctor as a crowd of children flooded into the station. Meph counted them and had every intention of keeping a close watch. The garage might look tidy and safe, but there were dangers just behind the vale. If one of the kids went looking they could easily find axes, knives, heavy tools, oxygen tanks, and any number of items that could cause them harm. The few children who had been in here previously had all been closely watched and escorted by an adult. These kids were a bit older and all heading in separate directions. But they must have been listening when the Beemo guy announced the burgers were good because the kids seemed to head right for the food table.
Meph's stormy violet-grey eyes looked to the chaperone of the kids and spotted the exhaustion on her face. She was clearly not their mother. A few of the kids, starved from their running around getting candy, made their way over to the food table. Meph silently helped them serve themselves two hotdogs each and a burger. He had made tons of food and there was more upstairs he could go throw on the flat top at any time and have more.
In the flurry of grabbing hands a single hotdog had fallen to the floor. Meph had snatched it up quickly, before it got stepped on and caused a slip hazard. He placed it on a paper plate and then off to the side so no one would use it. With the kids all served, they moved away from the food table as Meph started to clean up the chaos. While he worked, he smelled a feline come into the area. He turned and looked at the cat. He grabbed the plate with the fallen hotdog and placed it on the table before him. He broke up the hotdog into smaller pieces and placed the plate on the ground next to the table. Meph figured if the cat was hungry, the hotdog would be eaten. When Beemo started sneezing, Meph picked up the plate of hotdog and took it outside, leaving it in a quiet spot for the cat.
He then headed back inside and looked around. With no crowd around the table and the table straightened up, he made his way over to an ice chest and grabbed a bottle of water. He made his way across the garage and offered the water to Merrick as a polite smile touched his lips.
Meph's stormy violet-grey eyes looked to the chaperone of the kids and spotted the exhaustion on her face. She was clearly not their mother. A few of the kids, starved from their running around getting candy, made their way over to the food table. Meph silently helped them serve themselves two hotdogs each and a burger. He had made tons of food and there was more upstairs he could go throw on the flat top at any time and have more.
In the flurry of grabbing hands a single hotdog had fallen to the floor. Meph had snatched it up quickly, before it got stepped on and caused a slip hazard. He placed it on a paper plate and then off to the side so no one would use it. With the kids all served, they moved away from the food table as Meph started to clean up the chaos. While he worked, he smelled a feline come into the area. He turned and looked at the cat. He grabbed the plate with the fallen hotdog and placed it on the table before him. He broke up the hotdog into smaller pieces and placed the plate on the ground next to the table. Meph figured if the cat was hungry, the hotdog would be eaten. When Beemo started sneezing, Meph picked up the plate of hotdog and took it outside, leaving it in a quiet spot for the cat.
He then headed back inside and looked around. With no crowd around the table and the table straightened up, he made his way over to an ice chest and grabbed a bottle of water. He made his way across the garage and offered the water to Merrick as a polite smile touched his lips.
Beemo's endearment was graciously reciprocated. A gentle mewl emitted from the little cat and just as he was about to twine about the legs of his new acquaintance, the other went into a violent fit of sneezing. This startled Balthazar and the feline took a few guarded steps back. It wasn't until Beemo mentioned the cat's current predicament, and the promise of food inspired a new bout of confidence. He would now have to endure the towering Meph in order to embrace his culinary prowess.
Balthazar didn't have to wait long, however, and upon seeing a plate specifically made just for him travel across the room and set somewhere away from the ruckus, he followed eagerly behind, his tail swishing appreciatively. The small creature was grateful for the kindness of this rather imposing stranger and gave Meph a favorable meow before beginning to dig into his complimentary feast.
Once he had his fill of the hot dogs, Balthazar began the tedious task of grooming his pronged little whiskers contentedly...
Balthazar didn't have to wait long, however, and upon seeing a plate specifically made just for him travel across the room and set somewhere away from the ruckus, he followed eagerly behind, his tail swishing appreciatively. The small creature was grateful for the kindness of this rather imposing stranger and gave Meph a favorable meow before beginning to dig into his complimentary feast.
Once he had his fill of the hot dogs, Balthazar began the tedious task of grooming his pronged little whiskers contentedly...
Rayna laughed a little as Spencer told her that he would look her up if need of her whip arises. Sparking that idea, Rayna pulled out one of her business cards, and handed it over to him. “All the information is right there, should you ever need it.” As she saw and acknowledged Meph, she shot Spencer another smile. “He’s quiet, but trust me, amazing chef.”
Soon, Spencer was called away to help deal with a large group of children, and at first, Rayna simply stepped back as to not be in the way. She entertained herself by letting her eyes shift between Meph who fed the cat, and Spencer, who was indeed not boxing the children for the candy. She watched one little girl, Aria, hurry back to the bowl, and Rayna gave her a small wave as she was escorted out of the fire station.
Just as Rayna was getting ready to go say ‘hey’ to Meph, Spencer’s question caught her attention as the lot was bombarded with children. “Oh, uh. Yeah, sure.” Rayna was not all that comfortable around children, having never really grown up with other children, nor did she have any desire to have children. But she could see that this was a lot to handle, so quickly, she jumped in to help direct.
Such was the mass of children that one began to wander off. The child went unnoticed for a moment, until a sound caught Rayna’s sharp ears. Turning, her brown eyes landed on a child, who was suddenly half-dressed in what appeared to be real fire equipment. “Oh no.” She said to herself as she moved over to the child, who was attempting to pick up and swing one of the heavy fire axes. Before the child took her out at the kneecap, Rayna caught the axe, and the child, but hadn’t any idea what to do with either. Looking around, her eyes landed on Meph. “Hey, Meph? I think I need a firefighter over here. Child with an axe. Please?” She called out to him as she held the axe in her hand, away from the child.
Soon, Spencer was called away to help deal with a large group of children, and at first, Rayna simply stepped back as to not be in the way. She entertained herself by letting her eyes shift between Meph who fed the cat, and Spencer, who was indeed not boxing the children for the candy. She watched one little girl, Aria, hurry back to the bowl, and Rayna gave her a small wave as she was escorted out of the fire station.
Just as Rayna was getting ready to go say ‘hey’ to Meph, Spencer’s question caught her attention as the lot was bombarded with children. “Oh, uh. Yeah, sure.” Rayna was not all that comfortable around children, having never really grown up with other children, nor did she have any desire to have children. But she could see that this was a lot to handle, so quickly, she jumped in to help direct.
Such was the mass of children that one began to wander off. The child went unnoticed for a moment, until a sound caught Rayna’s sharp ears. Turning, her brown eyes landed on a child, who was suddenly half-dressed in what appeared to be real fire equipment. “Oh no.” She said to herself as she moved over to the child, who was attempting to pick up and swing one of the heavy fire axes. Before the child took her out at the kneecap, Rayna caught the axe, and the child, but hadn’t any idea what to do with either. Looking around, her eyes landed on Meph. “Hey, Meph? I think I need a firefighter over here. Child with an axe. Please?” She called out to him as she held the axe in her hand, away from the child.
Meph had been offering a water bottle to Merrick but when he heard his name he turned. The water bottle either was placed in Merrick's hand or dropped to the floor. He jogged over to Rayna and the child who seemed to have found their way into one of their cubbies. Not wanting to startle the child or make them feel like they did something wrong, Meph knelt down before the boy. He had a gentle grin on his lips and his stormy eyes showed no sign of anger. He swallowed hard, discomfort momentarily on his face, "I see you found a costume." He had no problem with the boy wearing the hat or the coat, but the axe was a problem. "But it's going to be hard to eat a hamburger and candy with your hands full." He reached out and placed his hand on the axe.
The boy resisted a little, not wanting to let the axe go. "Hey! It's mine. It goes with my hat!" Meph's grip on the axe handle was unbreakable. A child loose with an axe was not something he was going to let happen. This community event was not going to be the leading story on the evening news; not on his watch. The boy pulled and fussed but then gave up and let go. He ran off still wearing the hat and coat but that shouldn't cause harm. Plus, that cost would get hot really fast and the hat was too big for him. It wouldn't be long before he shed both of them.
Meph looked to Rayna and said softly, "Good catch. Thank you." He rose from his kneeling position and gripped the axe. "I'm going to go put this back." Meph walked away then, looking for the cubbie the axe had been taken from. He put it back in it's place and headed back over to Rayna. "Would you like some food?"
The boy resisted a little, not wanting to let the axe go. "Hey! It's mine. It goes with my hat!" Meph's grip on the axe handle was unbreakable. A child loose with an axe was not something he was going to let happen. This community event was not going to be the leading story on the evening news; not on his watch. The boy pulled and fussed but then gave up and let go. He ran off still wearing the hat and coat but that shouldn't cause harm. Plus, that cost would get hot really fast and the hat was too big for him. It wouldn't be long before he shed both of them.
Meph looked to Rayna and said softly, "Good catch. Thank you." He rose from his kneeling position and gripped the axe. "I'm going to go put this back." Meph walked away then, looking for the cubbie the axe had been taken from. He put it back in it's place and headed back over to Rayna. "Would you like some food?"
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