[i]thanks for the feedback so far. I'm working around it After lunch as Misha had promised, the two men made their way to the Zepheniah Mann Home for Orphaned Children, an imposing brick building that looked almost like a prison surrounded by a barred iron fence. A few dirty and ragged children were outside playing, happily giggling and laughing despite their circumstances. They approached the gate and rang the rusted bell on the stone post, attracting the attention of a sour-faced woman in a yellow dress who bore a striking resemblance to their employer, Helen. “Marie Strater, director,†She said tersely, looking from Misha to Heinrich. “How may I help you gentlemen?†“Good day, Frau-“ Heinrich began, when Marie interrupted him. “Fraulien. And aren’t you two of my sister’s mercenaries?†The two men looked at each other, a bit surprised that Marie knew of their identities. In fact, they didn’t even know their boss had a sister. “Well don’t just stand there like the slack-jawed idiots you are,†Marie snapped as she opened the gate. “Come in and come to my office.†She then locked the gate when Misha and Heinrich entered and led them on a crumbling brick walkway to the main building. Immediately, the children stopped their play and ran toward them, eager looks on their faces in hopes of finally having a family. One little girl in particular caught Heinrich’s attention, and his heart pained for her. She was standing near the wall, her thin legs supported by heavy metal braces as she held on to a pair of crutches. Her mouse brown hair was done up in braided pigtails with green satin ribbons, a scattering of freckles on the bridge of her nose. Marie noticed Heinrich and adopted a less harsh tone. “That’s Jenny. She’s been under my care since she was 4 months old. Polio victim.†She shooed the other children away, placing them under the care of a young assistant and took the men to her office. “Please have a seat.†She motioned to two high backed chairs. Once the Medic and Heavy got comfortable, Marie sat down in her own chair, hands folded on top of the desk. “So what brings you to my humble orphanage? Does Miss Successful Businesswoman want some of my charges to use as target practice?†Heinrich cleared his throat. “I am Heinrich Strudelesser, Medic for Reliable Excavation and Demolition, and zhis is Misha Drakonavic, my partner. Ve are interested in learning about zhe adoption process as we plan on starting a family after zhe var. And if it is to bold of me to ask, Helen never mentioned having a sister.†Marie merely batted an eyelash. “I see.†She opened up her desk drawer and pulled out some papers and documents. “Helen and I, although we are twins, we are very, very different. I’m actually the lesser evil. Where she is filled with a desire to control and manipulate, I enjoy compassion and helping others less fortunate. I set up this orphanage to help the community of Teufort and the surrounding areas affected by her blatant lack of concern, so you better have good reason for showing up.†She put on a pair of reading glasses and skimmed through the pages. “I also have to mention that it’s a long and harrowing process to go through, Mister Drakonavic and Mister Strudelesser.†“Understood,†Heinrich replied. “Ve have a vonderful home outside of the city, clean, very vell-kept. Lots of room.†“Ah huh,†Marie muttered as she made some notes on a pad next to her. “And how old of a child are you looking for? I have mostly children between the ages of three to fourteen, though I do have the occasional infant.†“I vas thinking an older child to start out.†More notes scratched down on the pad. “Now do your wives know about this?†“I’m sorry?†“Your wife,†Marie repeated. “Has she been informed of this decision? A child is not a pet store puppy you bring home as a surprise after work.†Misha put a large, protective arm around Heinrich’s shoulders. “Doktor is my wife, Miss Marie. He may not be woman, but love him very much like one.†Marie stopped writing and set down her pen, heaving a deep sigh. “I am not one to judge your relationship status, but the laws of the state and of the city have my hands tied for your case.†Heinrich bit his lip and held Misha’s hand, staying silent as he let the words sink into his mind. “What do you mean by having your hands tied?†Misha asked, concerned that the American woman must have said something to hurt his Doktor. “It means,†Marie began, trying not to sound condescending. “That even with…examples…of how fit you are as parents and if your home meets standards, the law won’t allow you to adopt a child. I’m deeply sorry.†“So I am understanding right? There is law saying Doktor and I can’t take home leetle child to be parents to?†Marie looked down, internally hating herself for giving them such devastating news. “That is correct.†Anger burned in the man’s chest as Heinrich continued his silence. How could some people be so cruel to others who wanted to give a loving home to a lonely child? But Misha swallowed that bitter pill and helped Heinrich to his feet. “Thank you for time, Miss Marie. Very helpful to us.†She bowed her head. “You’re welcome, Mister Drakonavic, although it wasn’t what you were expecting. And if you see my sister, tell her that I send my best wishes upon her failure.†It was later at night, the two men snuggled in their bed, that Heinrich let loose the tears he held in for most of the day. “Shh…shh…†Misha soothed as he held the sobbing Medic to his large chest. “Do not cry, Doktor. Do not give up hope yet.†“But mein liebe, you should have seen zhe sad looks on zhe children vhen ve arrived, so hopeful that they would get someone to love zhem one day,†Heinrich cried. “Especially zhat poor little Jenny, she vould have been such a wonderful daughter for us. Ve vill never have a child to call our own.†“Doktor, we do not need child right now. Have more important things to take care of. But someday, someday we will have family.†Misha kissed the top of Heinrich’s head and wiped tears away from his lover’s eyes. “Now sleep. Sleep, my Doktor. Have busy day tomorrow.†Heinrich nodded and pressed himself against the larger man, falling into a dreamless sleep.