Prompt: Wheatley and Chell go to the library.

Wheatley was drawn to how colorful this section of the library was. He liked all the building blocks and the smaller shelves, despite how tall he was.

Chell decided it was best if she at least left him someplace easier to find him, rather than having him get lost in all the shelves in the library where it would be harder to find him.

"Don't worry, luv, I'll read some of the stuff here. I'll bet you there's lots of missed childhood here."

She rolled her eyes, kissing the top of his head before walking off. Wheatley looked around, pulling a couple colorful books of the shelf at random. Finding a quiet corner, he began to read, despite all the nearby adults looking at him with strange looks as they started pulling their children a little closer. He supposed that was a natural reaction. They must've seen him walk in – he was taller than most people and clearly, this would look threatening. And if a kid started crying in the library…

Well, Chell always told him to be quiet in this building. Crying would do no good.

So he kept to himself, reading book after book. He began to pick favorite authors, especially this one guy in particular. His books were very worn and clearly loved by all children alike. This guy was named Dr. Seuss.

Least, Wheatley supposed he was a guy. They could've been a female too, he wasn't one to judge.

However, he had begun to stack books without realizing, meaning he really hadn't put any of them back yet. So when a kid came over and plonked himself down next to Wheatley, he found himself surprised as to why this child would do such a thing. Wasn't there a parent watching him with an intense stare?

"Can I have one?" The kid pointed to the stack of books next to Wheatley, and it suddenly clicked.

"Of course! Here you go – so rude of me to have them all to myself, am I right? Enjoy it!" Then he returned to the book about some weird foods and stuff – green did not look appetizing.

"OoooooOOOH." The kid next to him squawked out a word, causing Wheatley to recoil in alarm.

"What was that now?"

"All the places you go!" He looked triumphantly up at Wheatley, who merely returned back to his book. He could deal with this kid reading out loud. He had heard them all do it before. They mimicked their parents, they did, reading out loud in those weird and funny voices. What did that even do?

Before long, a young girl with braided hair sat down next to him, taking another book after politely asking. Then another small child sat down. Before long, he had amassed five children around him, in almost a mini fort, while the parents talked in whispers at a nearby table, clearly not focusing too heavily on their kids. Wheatley gave a huff. He knew he could've focused more on his kid better than that… and that Chell would do a lot of that as well. In fact probably do a better job—

"Exkuse me?" A tug at his sleeve caught Wheatley's attention.

"What does this word say?" They held up a book and pointed to a word on the page, to which Wheatley squinted and then said it aloud.

"Straight."

"Strhate."

"Strrrrraiiiight. Come on, use those little human lungs I know you have."

"Strhate."

"Strrrrrraiiiiight."

"Stttttrhate."

"…Close enough, I suppose."

"Can you read this one?" Another kid held out a book, pointing to the word they needed.

"That's a kangaroo." He pointed to the respective animal on the page.

The kid thanked him, and Wheatley felt a small spot of pride. I know words! He was able to help these children with reading! They were asking him questions! It was a very thrilling prospect—

Then, in an instant, Wheatley found himself bombarded with books and children, all of them asking him to read words. Before long, he was overwhelmed, and finally, he grabbed a book out of the stack.

"Here, why don't I just read on my own here?!"

The kids fell silent. The parents had not seemed to notice the commotion, causing Wheatley to heave another sigh.

"Listen… oh, never mind. Ask me whatever you need, kiddos. I'm here."

"Can you read to us?" the girl with the braids said, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

Wheatley paused, before watching all the kids excitedly chime in, asking him to read.

"Okay, okay! I'll read. Keep your hair on, everyone settle down! Gosh… okay… this one is titled 'Oh, The Places You'll Go…' fascinating stuff, really…"

Chell did her best to look around for Wheatley. He was either at a table or mulling around the elementary schooler's section, looking for other small novels.

However, only on a double take did she see her boyfriend, sitting with a few kids, who were resting on his back, on either leg, or laying down before him.

"You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know." His voice was well-scripted, paced and even. He was clearly pronouncing every word for the kids before him, and almost acting out the picture book.

"You'll get mixed up, with many strange birds as you go."

"Ones that go caw!" A kid yelled, causing all the rest to squeal with laughter.

"Or maybe they go squawk!" Wheatley chimed in. "But if they do, be sure that when you stop… you step with care and great tact…"

Chell leaned against a nearby bookshelf, mesmerized by the way he spoke. He shifted back into hilarious voices or talking with the kids once in a while, but when he returned to that paced meter… she was proud of him. He had learned to slow down his talking to the point where reading aloud to kids was something that came with ease.

"Just never forget," he said, pointing to each kid in turn, "to be dexterous and deft. And never, ever, mix up your right foot with your left. Especially when you're putting on shoes, man alive, is that difficult sometimes."

Giggles erupted as Wheatley continued, and Chell patiently waited until the book closed, as Wheatley finished the last few words.

"Today is your day! And your day! And your day! Your mountain is waiting… so get on your way!" He waved his arms about, the kids laughing and a couple running to their parents, asking to check out the book that the man had been reading.

Wheatley noticed Chell then, giving a sheepish smile, but she returned it with a kind one of her own.

"…You have to read me a story now. No excuses."

"I'll do anything for you, luv."