[ It's not the most inspired name in the world, but Krouse doesn't know that any alternatives would be better. It all is weird. He can't help but feel another surge of sympathy for Peter fumbling his way through this, obvious in the sidelong glance he gives him. ]

Yeah.

[ He settles down on the bench, since Peter hasn't shooed him off yet, and sucks the inside of his cheek. ]

Think we should organize a fruit basket for Aurora when we get back? You know, a little 'thank you for not making us live out a Stepford dollhouse experiment'?

[ He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. ]

[ Krouse could go for a smoke. If not for the baby, he'd give into the impulse, but even if she's not flesh and blood he still doubts it'd be appreciated. Peter might get docked some kind of parenting points for exposing his ward to carcinogens.

He taps the fingers of one hand restlessly across his knee instead, turning his eyes up towards the sky. ]

Trying, or adapting. It's a question mark, sure, but we know this one is more experienced, and look where they've ended up here. More security measures built in, more rules for the residents.

So if we assume they're built to be adapt to what we do, maybe it would be a good idea to make some good faith gestures. I'm not saying roll over for everything, but be choosy about where we push.

Although fuck if I know how they ended up with this scenario, if that's the case.

[ Krouse hums a short, speculatively inflected note at the update on Aurora's warning, which could spark a fresh tangent of mostly pointless idle bullshitting if not for that last bit.

He drops his gaze back down to Peter, dark eyes touched lightly with reluctant concern. ]

Not including you, right?

I mean, you're a father now. You have responsibilities. Breaking curfew can't be setting a good example.

[ Krouse relaxes, his definite lack of concern alleviated. ]

I think a robocop technically has to be a cop turned into a cyborg, if you're going by the movie rules. Otherwise it's not Robocop, just sparkling robot police.

Which is kind of stupid when you think about it. He should be called Cybor-cop. Copborg? There's room for improvement.

[ Peter has one of those honest faces, Krouse thinks. It might be the big brown doe eyes, but whatever it is, he's just glad he doesn't have to second guess him on this. ]

[ He's just too meek and mild-mannered for the gig, a regular friendly neighbourhood nerd. ]

I'm not saying it's not fun, I'm saying they skimped on accuracy.

[ He grins, leaning forward as if addressing the baby in her stroller. ]

But what can you expect from Hollywood, Robobaby? No integrity. That's a life lesson for you. Never trust the silver screen.

[ For all of Krouse's efforts to present a cool, knowing facade, Peter's suggestion awakens the earnest dork that still dwells a few inches below the surface. His eyes are wider and brighter than usual when he glances at him, rolling the idea around in his mind. ]

Evade arrest.

[ His deadpan tone may have a pulse yet. ]

And if that doesn't work, waive my right to remain silent so I can quiz him for trivia. [ He lifts one shoulder in a barely there shrug. ] I guess in an infinite multiverse...okay. This one's kind of stupid, but bear with me - did you read the Maggie Holt books when you were a kid?

[ Unbeknownst to Krouse, a series that's restricted to his corner of the multiverse alone. ]

What? No. Like, the late eighties, for the first one.

[ That's only slightly old, at worst. He raises his hands with fingers spread, waving off these dusty allegations. ]

They're urban fantasy, about this girl named - well, Maggie Holt. She gets involved in the hidden world of magic when goblins attack her town, and she becomes their queen, so she commands them - it's a cool magic system, it's all about oaths and contracts.

And there's this other guy in it, Blake Thorburn, that she meets after she goes to Jacob's Bell. He's got this whole thing going on with his family and their contracts with devils - anyway. He was always kind of my favorite.

[ The more he talks, the less cool he feels. He's committed now, though - might as well see it through. ]

Because he's a good guy, even though he gets screwed over more than anyone else. The universe is literally out to get him, because of the sins of his ancestors, but he doesn't let that stop him from trying.

So yeah. I don't know. If there's one fictional guy I'd like to see show up, it'd be Blake Thorburn. [ He lets his hands fall, smile tilted sheepish. ] And he's got a sword that's a goblin, so. That'd be handy.

What about you? Any childhood heroes you'd want to summon?