Chapter Text
The reports I was seeing from the reactions to the Smiling Critters in the Playcare were about what I expected. Bobby and Kickin are the most nervous of the two, but that makes sense for what they had to go through to get to where we are. Dogday is playing his part perfectly and everyone seems to get along with him. With the personalities all being different, there is almost no child who can’t find something relatable to the others. The only issue that was showing up was the discomfort children felt around Catnap. Stella was very strongly against letting Catnap reenter the Playcare for the benefit of the children he terrified.
I guessed this would happen when the staff started to remove the shower heads above all the beds, but it wasn’t really fair to him. He doesn’t talk much, and most of the time he isn’t let into Playcare until it is time to put the children to sleep. It meant they didn’t have the time to get to know him like the other Critters, and he is unfortunately much bigger than the others.
“Hey, Greg.” I called out down the hall for him.
“What’s up?” He poked his head out of his office.
“You had a pet that looked really aggressive, right? How did you convince others it wasn’t a threat?”
I wasn’t allowed any pets, and by the time they were going to be used as a reward, I was already planning my escape so I had no context to pet owning.
“Oh, Snoopy? Yeah he terrified the children of the neighborhood when we first got him, but now he deters others from trying to kidnap the kids within his sight.”
I nodded my head and listened more.
“I borrowed my neighbor's yard that had a fence and showed the kids he was trained. They took turns feeding him a treat for a trick and eventually they were comfortable enough to pet and play with him. He still looks threatening, though he is up there in years.”
I nodded along and looked back at the reports. “They’re not animals.”
Greg looked over the documents I was staring at, confused. “...no?”
“They act like animals sometimes.”
“What are you going on about?”
I finally looked up and voiced what would be my next experiment. “Do you think catnip will affect Catnap?”
Greg just looked at me with confused horror on his face. I didn’t break eye contact, but I could see his arm raise before dropping down on my head.
“Let the people who get life insurance for your death they are about to get paid.”
“They don’t exist. Will you monitor for me? Catnap’s handler is out for the next two days and I’m not bringing this to The Doctor.”
“Wait, you’re doing it now?” He looked baffled.
“Yep. There is nothing on mine, or your schedule and the Smiling Critters are all chilling with nothing to do. Let’s get it over with.”
I moved to drop the papers off and quickly grabbed my car keys.
“If you are not back in twenty minutes, I am heading home early and you will be on your own.”
“Bet!” I yelled before racing up to the entrance.
I took a gamble at running to the farmers market earlier in the morning and bought some catnip to put around my garden to deter insects. I could probably go back for more tomorrow…if the whole town doesn’t suddenly decide they need catnip.
I was lucky that the sun wasn’t frying everything in my car yet, or else this would have been a waste of money. I took only a couple of the plants before quickly walking back into the building. There were a few confused looks, and the unfortunate stop of a tour group where some child spotted me.
“What are you doing with plants?” the child asked, completely ignoring the teen trying to give a tour of the factory.
“Plants don’t have a use in a toy factory!” Some smaller kid yelled out.
“I am conducting research. The use of plants in our research is what helped us make the smiling critters with their unique, long lasting smells.”
I wanted to be bratty at the kid, but it wasn’t my job. As much as the children in grocery stores were getting on my nerves, not every kid was like that. I quickly turned and ran off to leave the underpaid teen to answer more questions he had no idea how to answer. I should feel bad, but what else did he expect when taking a job at a factory that is known for keeping secrets.
“Ba dadundumm!! I have the supplies.” I cheered when I ran up behind Greg.
“How–!? Nevermind. I will watch and take detailed notes on your death so I can get the most out of your life insurance.” Greg sighed before walking off to where Catnap was being kept.
“Just make sure he doesn’t try to spray the Red Smoke into the hall. I will do my best to survive.” I instructed with a thumbs up and grabbed a gas mask before opening the door and walking in.
Catnap was scratching the floor when I entered. I kept one plant in my hand with the gas mask and tossed the other plant to him. “Here. impromptu testing. Please smell this and tell me what you think.”
I really had no idea what I was doing, and I just knew Greg was laughing at me from outside. I held my breath while Catnap glared at me before leaning down to the plant. If he tried to gas the room, I could slip my mask on and exhale to get the gas out of the mask before there was a risk of me inhaling, but Catnap didn’t do that. He actually sniffed it like I asked.
Instead of telling me what he thought, I watched him faceplant into the plant and broke the plastic container so it was easier to get to. I watched for another moment before turning to look at the one way mirror.
“I don’t have a notebook, write on a piece of paper and we will burn it later.”
My voice caught the cat's attention and he looked back up at me. He looked a little more docile.
“I’m going to be honest with you. You scare the kids and Stella wants to get rid of you. At least keep you out of Playcare and from the children. If that happens, you will be subjected to continuous testing until The Doctor completely breaks you. I don’t want that.”
I moved to hold the other plant in my hand. I saw his eyes focus on it, but his face stayed close to the one I threw at him.
“If the children do not fear you, then that will not be what happens. Is this plant something you like?”
He nodded his head.
“If I was to come closer, would you attack me to get it from my hand?”
“Yes.” He finally answered and I watched his nails stretch out for a moment.
“If a child was holding this plant, would you attack them to get it?”
He paused for a long moment. I waited for him to answer and stayed in a relaxed position. His claws retracted into his paws before he finally answered.
“No…”
“My plan is to let children have bits of this plant and hold them while near you. I want them to trust you so you are not stuck in the cells all the time. But to do that, you can’t attack me while I come near you. Will you let me help you?”
His white pupils seemed to grow the more he breathed in the plant. It was the most relaxed I have seen him since he first left surgery. I didn’t try to move in case he took it as a threat and just leaned more on one leg to relax.
“Fine.”
I took careful steps closer just to see if he changes his mind, but the only thing he does is sit up and has bits of dirt and catnip on his lip. I pulled a few of the leaf-stems off the one in my hand and rubbed it on my palm before lifting my hand up, fully expecting him to try and bite it. Instead, he pushed his head against my palm where the plant was and continued to breathe in. I saw bits of Red Smoke leave his mouth and I stopped breathing while fumbling to put the mask on.
“Okay!” I exhaled while stepping away.
Catnap didn’t move his feet, but his head started to follow until I was out of reach. The gas stopped trickling from his mouth and he watched me.
“Maybe try not to do that, but if you can act like this around the children, they might trust you more. I know your job sucks, but I will do my best to help the children trust you. Tomorrow, you have nothing to do, so I will have people take you to Playcare and I will find some of the braver children to give the catnip to. Are you willing to try this?”
He nodded.
“Great. You can keep that one. And tomorrow we will work on the trust the children have in you.”
I quickly left the room and forced myself to cough in case I inhaled the Red Smoke.
“That went better than I was expecting. Why did this work?” Greg was baffled while watching me.
“Fucking luck, that’s how. Now I need to go to Playcare and find the brave children to help me with this.”
“And if it doesn’t work?”
“Don’t jinx me with your pessimistic thoughts. I don’t know what to do after this to help him.”
Greg lifted his hands in surrender and we parted ways to finish our tasks for the day, if he wasn’t just leaving.
I took the Elliott Express into Playcare and was greeted by one of the counselors. “What is going on? I was unaware of any children being adopted out today.”
“They are not. I was actually wondering if there were any children who would be willing to help me with something tomorrow.”
“What does it include?”
“Holding a plant and willingly greeting Catnap with it.” I held the plant up to show her.
“And…how will this help with them being afraid of him?” She asked skeptically.
“Catnap will act more like a cat when he smells this. I just tested it out with him and talked about the plan. He is willing to try if the children are.”
With a suspicious nod, I followed her as she gathered some of the children. The Smiling Critters were out here today and watched when certain children were called to come to me. I ignored their stares and sat down on the ground to explain to the children what they were called for, and how I needed their help. These children were eager to help me and were enthusiastic to try and befriend the giant toy.
“Okay. Tomorrow morning, probably after some of your lessons, I will come back and you guys will help me show the others that Catnap isn’t really that scary. He is just big, and shy.”
With a nod of their heads and some verbal agreements, I let them go back to their games and went to pack up belongings so I could leave for the day. I would have to cut the plant up when I get here so I give an even amount to those children, and hope nobody tries to stop me since the documentation for this test is virtually nonexistent and I don’t plan to share it with others only for it to be used against him.
Security had to escort us through to the Playcare. Since he didn’t go in during the day, but later in the evening, I made sure there was adequate security that could handle if he tried to suddenly run. Stella met me at the entrance, and security waited just outside to not interact with the children. I could see the nervous look in the eyes of the children, so I motioned my arm for Catnap to head to a more secluded place.
“Are you sure you know what you are doing? It’s bad enough he is here every night.”
“I do. For the benefit of the children, they need to know he isn’t someone to be afraid of. They know that with the other Smiling Critters. Where are they?”
I looked around to try and find them, but they were nowhere to be found.
“The children who are not part of classes right now are in the Playhouse. They are all in there on an adventure.”
I nodded. “Can you go get the children who were willing to help me?”
“I already let the teachers know, and an announcement was given to those in the playhouse. They should be here soon. What if this doesn’t work and it terrifies the children more?” The nervousness in her voice started to leak through.
I watched Catnap take perch by a large fake tree near Home Sweet Home and watched us interact. I watched for any movement or indication he was talking to something that managed to get into Playcare, but there was no sign of that. He just watched us interact, the tip of his tail flicking every few seconds.
“The suggestion is taking him back to surgery in an attempt to make him more friendly but we all know that won’t help. I am hoping they don’t try to make a second. There would be too many safety risks having two of them walking around.” I saw a Miss Delight lead three children out of the schoolhouse around the same time screams came from those leaving the Playhouse. Dogday was following those children before he cheerfully greeted Catnap.
I walked further and greeted the children, confirmed they understood what they were supposed to do, then walked closer to where Dogday was talking to Catnap. I rather he wasn't here because I didn’t know him very well, but seemed to be the one who kept the other critters calm and open to listening to the workers. I would rather he not tell anyone what I am about to do.
Catnap continued to glance back at me and the children, but quietly spoke with Dogday. Their friendship was nowhere near what the cartoons would claim, but Dogday was the only one who really interacted with Catnap when he showed up. It is suspected the others' lack of interacting with him might attribute to the children being more nervous.
“I would rather Dogday not be over here for this. Can you keep him away?” I turned to Stella and asked quietly.
“You want to do this alone?”
“I did it before. He knows this is for his safety as much as the children’s happiness. It will be fine.”
I waved her off and passed Dogday as we were called away. The children followed at a distance and I pulled the bag of catnip from my coat for Catnap to see, but not anyone else.
“Do you remember what we did yesterday? It’s the same thing.”
I spoke calmly and watched for any sign of aggression from him. There was none, and he stayed in his position as I pulled some of the plant out. I felt like a drug dealer to a bunch of kids when I gently placed some in their nervously waiting hands.
If there is ever a reason to execute an employee, it would be for passing drugs to the children.
I kept the thought to myself as I stepped closer to demonstrate to the children what to do. Catnap’s eyes watched me closely, as if I was playing a trick on him, before moving his face closer to smell. Once again, he just pressed his nose and mouth to my hand where the plant was sitting.
I could hear the giggles from the children and one of them walked closer to see what I was doing.
“Are you ready to try?” I asked.
With eager nods, they lined up behind me, and I slowly lowered my hand so the children could reach Catnap when his head lowered with it. They were still hesitant, but Catnap continued to keep his face in their hands and inhale the smell of catnip. Eventually, one of the children raised their hand cautiously so they could pet him. The plant in their hand caused Catnap to move his head to them and they jumped back in surprise.
I stepped between them and held the plant out before lowering his head further. “It’s okay. This is what we agreed on, remember? They’ll be gentle.”
I raised my other hand to test it first, and I was able to get my hand to rest on the top of his head. He made a noise, but didn’t push away. His tail flicked, and I kept an eye on it as the child tried again. Catnap didn’t say or move as the small hand started to pet him, and the giggles let the other children know it was okay to touch him. I took a moment to glance behind me and saw a bunch of children looking out the windows of the schoolhouse with a couple of the Miss Delights watching as well.
“Is Catnap going to be here with us during the day as well?” One of the boys asked.
“For today. I don’t know about everyday life. His job is at night to help you all go to sleep. That means he needs time during the day to sleep.” I explained.
While it was true, it wasn’t like he could get much sleep in the observation and lab rooms. I couldn’t imagine him getting any sleep here if the children were so loud and wanting him to join in on their games. The plus side is the cartoon they watch doesn’t have Catnap joining in on the adventures so it isn’t something the children immediately expect of him.
“Can you all keep a secret about the plant? I don’t want everyone to know.” I checked my watch to see the classes were going to let out soon.
With the group all nodding, I held the open bag to them to drop the plant back in. “the smell will stay on your hand for a little while. Catnap, will you be okay when all the children come out?”
He blinked slowly at me. Outside of when he is huffing catnip, he doesn’t relax around me, and I needed to know if he would be nice to the children who don’t have catnip on their hands. I didn’t move my eyes from him as he moved to sit up and tower over me. It felt intimidating, but I didn’t feel like my life was in danger. Not yet, at least.
“I will be.”
“Good. You know Home Sweet Home. There are several Miss Delights in the schoolhouse, and they are particular about who goes in. The counselor’s office is normally closed so the children in there can have privacy. Feel free to go into the playhouse with the children or sit out here in the open. I will be here for a while, so let me know if you get tired and I can take you back.”
I turned to walk off, but one of the boys stopped me.
“Where do they go when not here?” He was talking about all of the smiling critters as the Miss Delights stay in the school.
“They have rooms they go back to so they can rest between their time here with you all.” I was vague about where they go. It is technically a room, but was more a prison cell for them and had nothing to be comfortable. I was hit in the head and turned to see Catnap standing and was walking away. His tail almost hit me again as he walked.
“He said he wanted to stretch his legs first.” One of the children giggled.
“That’s fine. Do you think you guys can convince the others that Catnap is someone they can trust? My word can only do so much.”
A couple of them saluted before running to the doors of the school to wait for their friends. Dogday was walking to Catnap and Stella was continuing to watch me so I walked closer to her.
“He did that on purpose.”
“I know. But I am pushing him to do a lot more than he is supposed to. If him “accidentally” hitting me in the head with his tail is the only thing he does, then I take that as a win.”
She nodded slowly, but looked suspicious. The bell rang and the children ran out of the school to have fun with a group of them going towards Catnap, who sat back down in his original spot. Dogday was with him again and he excitedly greeted the children who were interested in seeing the giant cat during the day.
Dear P.W.
I will write to you as well. Catnap is doing better in the Playcare now and there have been no incidents. The children seem less afraid of him, though if any of them got scared during the day or had a bad dream, they have negative reactions to Catnap wandering the halls. I am still not a fan of him being here, but he is carrying out his job and lets the children play with his tail or rest around him. I left out the circumstances in my report, but I will tell him if Catnap’s attitude gets worse.
Please continue to monitor Catnap when in the labs and inform me of when he is in a bad mood. I don’t want him near the children when that happens.
Stella Grayber
Grace
If I see you attempt to touch any of my experiments with your fucked up conditioning treatments, I will feed you to Boxy Boo. I don't mess with your work, don't even think about fucking up mine.
P.W.