Weekend Guest (Open to hell_aint_ready and kings_boy11)

[unhappyhellgod]

"And this is your room," Circe pushed open the door to a large room decorated in reds -- not the garish reds of fire trucks or ferraris, but deep inviting reds. Contained within it was everything a boy Ryan's age could want. Books, DVDs, Video games...you name it, it was there

Comments

[boyking]

"Just a little bit," Ryan replied softly, glancing up at Circe and offering a small, almost-smile. That was his own particular style of smiling these days. Just big enough to be visible.

Hugging his backpack, containing enough clothes for the weekend (i.e. one set) and a decidedly battered copy of The Princess Bride (some kids had blankets or stuffed animals - Ryan had his books), the boy slowly followed Circe into the room. To be entirely honest, he didn't recognize half of the things in there, not being your most average ten-year-old. The video games in particular were baffling

[hell_aint_ready]

John watched from the the doorway, leaning against the frame, thumbs tucked into his beltloops. He was doing his best to be non-threatening, and had a suspicion that even though Circe was excited for him to meet the kid it would be best to give him a lot of space at first. But he was deeply curious about the boy that had Circe running in circles, ducking topside to pick up bags and bags of things -- stuff that she thought any boy (albeit probably a spoiled one, but that's just how his girl would think) should have. This was an entirely new side of her, and it fascinated him.

"We're real glad to have you come and visit, Ryan," he said, being extra careful to keep his tone even and gentle. "Circe's told me so much about you and I'm excited to finally get a chance to make your acquaintance. Anything you need at all -- even if it's just to take that slobber-factory" he nodded his head toward Cerberus "off your hands for a bit so you can dry off, you just let us know."

[unhappyhellgod]

"John!" Circe turned and gave him a look, "Cerberus is not a slobber factory." She shook her head smiling. She knew something was up -- that he was trying to figure something out, but she wasn't sure exactly what. She'd get that out of him later. Right now was about Ryan and helping him settle in.

Speaking of which, she saw the look on the boy's face and it broke her heart a bit. Yep, even the princess of hell could be turned into a marshamallow if the situation was right.

"Come here..." It wasn't a command like she normally gave. It was a gentle cajooling as she knelt down and opened her arms to the boy.

[boyking]

The flinch at the unfamiliar man's voice was almost instinctive, as was the quick size-up of the room to figure out which was the farthest part away from him. It took Ryan several dizzy seconds to control himself and actually turn to look at the man, rather than just acting on impulse, and by that time he'd already situated Circe and Cerberus between himself and the door