You were at the guild hall looking for a quick job to past the time. It has been a while since you and the others had defeated Vardia.
(Y/N): Hmm? Let's see. Which job sounds good... I can't decide on what to do. Shanghai, pick a job for us, please.
Shanghai flew to the board and inspected the listing before she grabbed one and brought it back to you. You take it and read the description.
(Y/N): "The caretaker at the local orphanage has to leave town for a couple of days. She asks that someone come to take care of the children in her absence. Pay: 5,000 eris a night, estimated time: 2 days" Babysitting for two days? Not really a job we take, but it doesn't sound too hard, alright let's go you two.
The Dolls nod and follow you on the way to the orphanage. You cross paths with Kazuma on the way out of the guild.
Kazuma: Hey (Y/N). Where are you going?
(Y/N): Hi Kazuma. I'm going to the local orphanage. I took a job to babysit while the caretaker is away.
Kazuma: Ok then. I'll see you later.
(Y/N): Later Kauma.
You continue your path towards the orphanage until you came to one that looked a little run down one-story building. You knock on the door and waited until a woman opened the door. She looked at you before replying with a smile.
Woman: Oh hello. How can I help you?
You took in her appearance, she had brown hair that was tied into a bun. Her eyes were brown and she was about the same height as Megumin. She was wearing a plain white shirt with a dark blue apron over it.
(Y/N): I came because of the job you posted.
Women: Oh thank you very much. I was kind of worried that someone wouldn't come because as you see, we don't have a lot. Well, we better get you inside so we can introduce you to the girls.
(Y/N): Alright, lead the way.
As you make your way into the orphanage you couldn't help but look at the condition that it was in. While it may have been adequate for someone to live in, you can tell that building was suffering from the effects of time. The paint on the wall was beginning to chip and peel away, showing the drywall. Spider webs were present in the corners and there was a number of holes in the wall. Your thoughts were broken by the sound of the caretaker's voice.
Caretaker: Girls! Come over here, there's someone you should meet!
???: We're coming!
The sound of multiple sets of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall. No later did the door open and five little girls about the age range of 7 to 10 years. As they walked in you observed each of their appearances. The first to walk in had silver hair worn into long braids on each side of her face. She had green bows tied to the ends of each braid. The next girl that came through was younger than the last one and had light-blue hair with scarlet red eyes. Following her was a girl who had both purple hair and eyes. She also had a gold crescent moon ornament in her hair. The next one was a girl with blonde hair and the same colored eyes as the blue haired one and the final girl walked in. She was about the same age as the first girl and she had a similar hairstyle to her. Her hair was waist long and scarlet red that was tied into braids held by black bows. Her eyes were also aqua blue.
Once they all entered they stopped in front of you and the caretaker.
All 5: Good morning ma'am.
Caretaker: Good morning to you as well. Now, this nice young man here is going to be watching over you while I'm away. Why don't you each introduce yourselves?
The girls nodded and the silver one was the first to step forward.
???: It's nice to meet you, sir. My name is Sakuya.
The one with red hair stepped forward next.
???: Hi there. My name is Meiling.
The blue haired one was next.
???: My name is Remilia. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Purple hair was next.
???: Hello, my name is Patchouli, but you can call me Patche.
And finally, the blonde one came forward.
???: Hello! My name is Flandre and I'm Remilia's younger sister!
You nodded and introduce yourself to them.
(Y/N): Hello, it's nice to meet you all. My name is (Y/N).
Caretaker: Well, I better be off. Now girls remember to be on your best performance for Mr. (Y/N). Also (Y/N) the girls have already eaten breakfast so they should be fine for a while and you can stay in my room for the night. Now I'll be on my way, I'll be seeing you all later.
All 5: Goodbye.
The caretaker picked her bag up and made for the door. She opened it and walked out, not before giving one last wave before closing the door. With that, you turned to the girls who were already looking at you.
(Y/N): Well then, what should we do now?
Sakuya: Well, normally we just sit around and do nothing or head into the town to do something.
(Y/N): Well, what do you usually do for fun?
Meiling: We don't have a lot of things to do around here. Our options are very limited.
That brought a frown to your face, but it quickly changed into a smile as you decided to change that.
(Y/N): Okay then, let's change that! We'll head into town and find something to get while buying things for dinner.
The five nodded and headed into their rooms to get ready. They soon came back, but you couldn't help but notice something.
(Y/N): Um... Girls? *they all look at you* Are you sure that you don't want to wear something warmer, it's starting to get cold.
Patche: We don't have anything else besides a few sets of clothing. Ms. Karen can't afford any more than this.
That caused you to frown again as you were in thought.
(Y/N): *thoughts* I can't leave them like this, it's a good thing I have that extra money I have saved up. *speaking* Alright, we'll stop and buy you some warmer clothes as well.
Remilia: Are you sure? We don't want to cost you too many eris.
(Y/N): It's fine Remilia. Now let's go.
As the six of you leave, you make a mental note to do something about the interior and exterior of the house. The six of you were walking down the street when Sakuya points something out.
Sakuya: Excuse me? Mr. (Y/N)?
(Y/N): Yes Sakuya? and please drop the Mister part, makes me feel old.
Sakuya: Okay then, but I couldn't help but notice that you carry around those two Dolls on your shoulder.
This caught the attention of the other girls as they look at the dolls as well.
(Y/N): Ah! Yes, these two are Shanghai and Hourai. They have been with me for a while now.
Meiling: That's so cool! Are you an adventurer or something?
(Y/N): Yes I am. I'm a part of a party and my class is an arch wizard.
Flandre and Meiling had stars in their eyes while the other three had impressed looks on their faces.
Patche: What kind of magic can you use?
(Y/N): I can use dark, clone, and plant magic. I also have a special set of spells that only I can use. It's called the Master Spark.
Flandre: Master Spark?
(Y/N): Yes, it's a rainbow-colored beam that is unbelievably destructive. There are also other versions, but let's not get into that right now.
Remilia: Wait, rainbow beams and puppets? Where have I heard of that?
Sakuya: You might be thinking of the "Rainbow Puppeteer" Remilia.
(Y/N): Yeah. I'm also known by that name, but anyway we're here at the store. So you five go and pick any clothing you want.
While the five of them ran around and picked up clothes they wanted, you turned towards the Dolls and handed them a piece of paper.
(Y/N): Shanghai, Hourai, I need you two to go and pick up the items on this list and take them back to the orphanage but remember to hide them from the girls.
The Dolls nodded and flew out of the store just as Meiling was coming back with her clothes.
Meiling: Where are they going?
(Y/N): They are just running a few errands. *looks at clothing* Is that all you want Meiling? I'm fine if you got more.
Meiling: No, I'm fine with this. Thank you though.
(Y/N): Well alright, if you insist. Anyway, what do you like to do Meiling?
Meiling: Well, I like to practice martial arts in my free time. It helps to relax the body and focus the mind.
(Y/N): That's something I didn't know.
You and Meiling waited for the other girls to finish their shopping. The others eventually returned and you bought their clothes. You six went to another part of the store to get them things to keep them entertained for later. The minute you entered Flandre made a dash for the toy section. The girls went their separate ways as you came across Patchouli in the book section.
(Y/N): Patche? I guess I should have figured you for a reader.
Patche: Yes, I love to read books. Especially books on magic.
(Y/N): Is that so. Looking to become a magician when you grow up?
Patche: Mhmm. That's why you interest me since you happen to be an arch wizard.
(Y/N): Heh. I hope you get to be a magician that can surpass me one-day Patche.
Patche: *smiles* Thanks (Y/N).
You waited with Patche for the other kids to finish gathering their new stuff. Eventually, they all came back with Flandre carrying the most. The six of you then made your way for the marketplace to buy the ingredients for dinner.
(Y/N): So, what do you five feel like having tonight?
The five of them thought for a while and talked amongst themselves. Sakuya eventually spoke up.
Sakuya: We are fine with anything that you make. We're not that picky when it comes to food.
(Y/N): Well alright, let's go get the ingredients.
The six of you walked around as you collected the items you need. While shopping a familiar voice caught your attention.
???: (Y/N)? What are you doing here?
You turn around and saw that Darkness was looking at you with a questioning gaze.
(Y/N): Good evening Darkness. I'm just collecting items for dinner tonight.
Darkness: You can cook? And dinner for who?
(Y/N): Of course I can cook, it's just that living in a barn doesn't really present many opportunities to do so. And as for who it's for the children around me.
Darkness: Children? *looks at the kids* Wait! What?! (Y/N), since when did you have kids?!
(Y/N): Don't be stupid Darkness. They are from the orphanage nearby. I'm watching them for a couple of days. Honestly, didn't Kazuma say anything?
Darkness: No not really.
(Y/N): Figures. Anyway, I have to get them back, it's getting late. I'll see you later Darkness.
Darkness: Bye (Y/N).
You take the girls back to the orphanage and start to prepare dinner for them. As you were chopping the onions Sakuya walked in.
(Y/N): Sakuya? Is there something you need?
Sakyua: I came to see if you need any help with dinner. I usually assist Ms. Karen when she makes dinner.
(Y/N): Sure thing Sakuya. Can you slice the bread then brush the remaining oil on the slices?
She nods and starts doing what you asked. You observed what she was doing to make sure that she is safe. While she may be a little inexperienced she knows how to handle a knife.
(Y/N): Tell me something Sakuya?
Sakuya: Yes? What is it (Y/N)?
(Y/N): Are you usually the most responsible of the group?
Sakuya: Yes, since I'm one of the oldest and Meiling can be... well Meiling. It falls to me to help Ms. Karen to watch over the others.
(Y/N): I see. You are certainly grown for someone your age Sakyua. Just remember that you aren't by yourself and that are people who you can rely on.
Sakuya: *smiles* I'll be sure to remember that.
The two of you finish dinner and served each of them their portions. As they ate Shanghai and Hourai finally returned from their long day.
Remilia: Oh, your Dolls are back (Y/N).
(Y/N): Yes they were doing errands for me while we shopping.
Remilia: I see.
After they finished dinner Patche went to read the books that you purchase her, Meiling went to practice her martial arts, Sakuya went to tidy up around the house, Remilia went to go relax in her room. That left you only with Flandre who was watching you wash dishes, while Shanghai dried them and Hourai put them back in the cupboard. After a while, you spoke to her.
(Y/N): Is something wrong Flandre? You've been staring at me for a while.
Flandre: No, I was just curious about you. I was wondering if you would play with me?
(Y/N): Sure thing Flan, let me finish up in here and I'll join you in a minute.
With a delightful smile on her face, she nodded and ran back to her room to get things ready. After you finish cleaning the kitchen you made your way to Flandre's room. On the way there, Remilia poked her head out of her room.
Remilia: If you are going to play with Flan then I have to warn you. My sister can get rough when she plays, so be careful.
(Y/N): Um, okay. Thanks for the heads up.
Remilia nods her head and goes back to her room. You continue to Flandre's room then knock on her door. The sound of running is heard before the door is opened and she grabs your arm and pulls you inside. You look at all the toys and games that she had. Both were the ones you just bought her and the ones she already had.
Flandre: Let's play catch (Y/N)!
(Y/N): Sure thing Flan.
She picks up a rubber ball and throws it at you with a surprising amount of strength. The ball flies towards you at a decent speed and you catch it with a little difficulty. The moment you caught it the impact hurts your hands.
(Y/N): *thoughts* Man this hurts. No wonder Remilia warned me, she is insanely strong for a little girl. I don't know how long I'll last. *looks at Flandre's smiling face* Damn it, looks like I'll have to keep going.
After two hours of the most painful games you've ever played, she tired herself out and went to sleep. You tuck her into bed and turn off the lights, as you leave you heard Flandre say something.
Flandre: *asleep* Good night, Big Brother.
(Y/N): Goodnight Flan
You walked around to check on the others and found that they were also asleep. So you went to Ms. Karen's room and went to sleep.
Next Day
You woke up early in the morning and got out of bed to start getting ready. After getting ready, you make your way to the kitchen to start making the kids breakfast. While you cooking you turn your attention to the Dolls who were watching you.
(Y/N): Shanghai, Hourai I need you to make some repairs to the place while I take the kids out today. Use as many of the other dolls you need. Just make sure you get it done before we get back. Use even Goliath if you need her help.
They nodded and flew to the room that they stored the construction materials in. As they flew away Patche walked into the dining room and smelled the breakfast you were cooking.
Patche: Good morning (Y/N).
(Y/N): Morning Patche. Did you sleep well?
Patche: Yes I did. Thank you for asking.
Patche sat at the table and patiently waited for breakfast to be ready. As you finished up you noticed that the others have made it to the table as well. You serve them their breakfast and sit at the table with them.
Meiling: So what are we doing today?
(Y/N): We're going to head to the park to have a day outside, ok?
The five nodded their heads at your answer.
(Y/N): Great! Sakuya, after you finish changing, I need your assistance with lunch for today.
Sakuya nodded her head and went back to eating her breakfast. After they finish, each one went to change clothes with Sakuya finishing first and helping you prepare the group's lunch. The six of you made it to the park and for the most part, they split apart. Patche went to read under a tree, while Meiling went to practice her martial arts or take a nap. Sakuya stayed with you to help set up the area for lunch, while Remilia and Flandre left together to find something to play with. You summoned four dolls to keep an eye out for them in case they wander too far. As you finish setting up the picnic area one of the dolls came back to tell you something is wrong.
(Y/N): What?... What happened?... Okay, let's go get her. Sakuya we have to go, Flandre is in trouble.
Sakuya: Wait, you can understand your dolls? It didn't even talk.
(Y/N): Of course, I can. I'm the one who summons them. Now let's go.
Leaving the doll and the other girls at the picnic area, you and Sakuya make your way over to were Remilia and Flandre are. You began to hear yelling in the distance so you two speed up the pace. You found Flandre trying to climb up a girl with black cat ears, dark red eyes, and red hair in twin braids with black bows at the bottom and top of her braids. She was wearing a black decorated dress with green frills.
???: Ow, ow, ow please let go of my hair it hurts!
Flandre: But I want to pet your ears!
Remilia: Flandre! Get down right now! What if big brother were to see this!
Flandre: But I only-
Her sentence was cut off by the sound of your voice.
(Y/N): Flandre! Get off her this instant!
Flandre quickly got off the girl and had her head down in shame. You could hear sniffling coming from her. Sighing, you crouch down to be at the same level as her.
(Y/N): Flan... Flan... Flan, look at me. *Flandre looks up* I'm not mad, ok. I'm sorry for yelling, but you just can't start climbing on people. I know you only wanted to touch her cat ears, but you have to ask first ok?
Flandre: Yes, big brother. I'm sorry.
(Y/N): *points at the girl* I'm not the one to be apologizing to Flan.
Flandre: I'm sorry Ma'am.
???: Oh, it's okay. If you just wanted to see my ears then you should have asked.
She crouched down allowing Flandre to touch her ears. After she was finished Flandre thanked her and went back with Remilia.
(Y/N): Flan, Remy, fo back to the picnic with Sakuya. I'll join you in a minute.
The girls nodded and took their leave. You turned back to the girl and started talking.
(Y/N): Listen, I'd like to apologize about Flandre as well.
???: No, it's okay. She was only curious about my ears.
(Y/N): Thanks for that, by the way, I didn't get your name.
???: My name is Rin, but my friends call me Orin.
(Y/N): Nice to meet you, Orin, my name is (Y/N).
Orin: (Y/N)? I've heard that name before, but where... Oh! You're the guy Koishi talks about.
(Y/N): Koishi? I haven't seen her in a while, where has she been.
Orin: Our party accepted a quest that took longer than expected so we had to stay out of the city for a while. I have to say, I never would have expected for her to take to someone this much.
(Y/N): Why is that?
Orin: Koishi has her quirks that seem to drive some people away, so imagine our surprise when she comes back, talking about her new friend.
(Y/N): Well, it's good to hear that I make her happy, now if you'll excuse me I have to get back to the kids. Bye Orin.
Orin: Goodbye (Y/N).
Leaving, you make your way back to the Kids, only to find a certain water goddess performing her party tricks for them.
(Y/N): Aqua? Where did you come from?
Aqua: Hello (Y/N) I was walking by and saw these girls waiting around and I saw your puppets floating around as well. So I talked to them and they said that they were waiting for their big brother.
Flandre: Yeah! She was showing off her party tricks to us while we waited!
Remilia: It was quite entertaining.
(Y/N): Well, thanks for being with them Aqua we were about to eat lunch here if you want to join us. Sakuya and I packed extra in the basket.
Aqua: Sure, I'll join you.
You and Aqua unpacked the food that was prepared earlier and served the girls their lunch. As you were eating you sat down with Aqua as you watched the others talk amongst themselves. You turn to talk to Aqua.
(Y/N): Hey, thanks again for keeping them entertained while I was away.
Aqua: It was no problem. I was kinda surprised when I saw your dolls with them so I became curious. Never expected you to become a big brother though.
(Y/N): Yeah, these five grow on you really quickly. That's why I've been buying them a lot of things for them.
Aqua: Wait, I thought you said you were broke?
(Y/N): *nervously* I may have lied.
Aqua: What?! How much did you have?!
(Y/N): Enough to pay for two portions of the damages you caused.
Aqua can only sputter nonsense at the amount that you had stored up. You laugh at her expression as the kids sit around you two.
Remilia: What are you two laughing about?
(Y/N): Oh, it's nothing, Remy. Are you five having fun?
The five of them nod their heads with smiles, just then Shanghai and Hourai finally returned to you.
(Y/N): Ah, Shangai, Hourai. Did you finish the job I gave you two?
The two Dolls nodded their head and landed on the floor in a heap. The question drew the curiosity of the children and Aqua.
Sakuya: What was their job?
Aqua: Yeah, it's not like you to have these two little devils doing work. The most I've ever seen you ask of them is to fetch you something.
(Y/N): Don't worry about. It's a surprise for later. Now let's just enjoy the rest of the day.
All of you continued to hang out at the park until it began to get late. The six of you said goodbye to Aqua and headed for the orphanage. When you got back the kids where shocked to see the state it was in now. The building looked as good as when it was first constructed. The kids looked back and forth from the building to your smiling face. Sakuya was the first to speak.
Sakuya: *shocked* H-How did you do this?
(Y/N): It's easy when you have an almost limitless amount of dolls at your disposal.
Meiling: Is this what the Dolls' job was?
(Y/N): Indeed. I asked them to do this while I took you girls out to the park. Normally, I would have helped them, but someone had to watch over you five and it would've been too dangerous for you to stay during the repairs.
You looked at their faces as they had tears start to form in their eyes.
Patche: *tearing up* Why though?
(Y/N): *confused* I'm sorry?
Patche: *nearly crying* Why are you being so nice to us?! We have been here for years and barely anyone has given us something! So why have you given us everything?!
You quickly wrap Patche into a hug and start to calm her down.
(Y/N): *soothing voice* Shhh... It's okay Patche. I'm going, to be honest, I don't really know why I did all this. Something just told me that I needed to do this. I guess when I saw you five and the way the building looked, I guess that my big brother instincts turned on.
Patche's face was buried in your shoulder as her cries slowed down into whimpers. The other girls joined in on the hug and you six stayed like that for a while. Eventually, you broke the silence.
(Y/N): You know, there's still an inside that you should see. So let's go inside, ok?
The girls nodded and headed inside leaving you and surprisingly Remilia, who was still holding on to you.
(Y/N): Remy? Don't you want to go inside the house?
Remilia: Not right now. Just let me sty like this for a little while.
(Y/N): *smiles* Sure thing, Remy.
You and Remilia stayed outside for a while until you felt her grip loosen. You looked down at her and realized that she fell asleep. You picked her up and carried her to her room. You tucked her into bed and kissed her forehead. You slowly walked around to each room to make sure that each of them was asleep. After your rounds, you went to Ms. Karen's room and fell asleep.
Next Day
Your peaceful sleep was disturbed by someone yelling. Thinking that it was one of the kids you jumped out of bed, only wearing pajama bottoms and rushed to the main room.
(Y/N): Girls are you... ok?
You looked around and noticed that the only person in the room was Ms. Karen. You looked at each other before she started blushing. You were confused but decided to greet her.
(Y/N): Good morning, Ms. Karen. I see that you are back early. Was that you who was yelling?
Karen: Y-Yes, Good morning to you too (Y/N). And yes that was me I, I was just surprised to see how the orphanage looked now. Was it you who repaired it?
Before you could answer Sakuya walked into the room in her clothing. She glanced at Ms. Karen then at you. When she took in your appearance she developed a rigid expression and began lecturing you.
Sakuya: Big brother, you can't just expose yourself like this to women. Imagine what that would do to your image. Now go back and get dressed.
(Y/N): Um... sure thing Sakuya.
You left them and headed back to the room you were staying in and finished getting dressed. You returned to the main room to see that Flandre and Meiling were there now as well.
Karen: Ah (Y/N). Flandre tells me that you and your dolls were the ones to repair the orphanage. If that's the case then you have my greatest gratitude. I never would have expected hiring a babysitter would result in something like this. Not only did you repair the building you also used your own money to buy the Girls new clothing and toys. You can come back anytime you'd like and I'm sure that the others would be delighted if you continued to visit.
(Y/N): Heh. I'll take you up on that offer. Now that I'm their big brother I don't think I'll be able to live with myself if I were to disappoint them.
You waited for the last ones to come in the room before you started talking with them.
(Y/N): Now girls, I'm afraid that my job is over, but that doesn't mean that you're not going to see me anymore. I'll make sure to visit as much as I can and I'll even bring a friend sometimes, okay?
The girls nodded and swarmed you in a group hug. You hugged back and stayed like that for a minute. You could hear some of them sniffling so you petted their hair to calm them down, then you six broke the hug. You waved goodbye as you exited the building and headed back to the guild as you began to think to yourself.
(Y/N): *thoughts* It may have been only two days, but it was a busy two days. Honestly, I don't know how people do it, it was so tiring. Although their smiling faces felt like it was the only reward that I needed and I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.