INACTIVE

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He didn’t know what to say in reply, whether saying thank you were silly or unwanted, so he stayed quiet. Rubbing the mug as he glanced periodically up at the TV of which the show has changed.

At the question he took a second to click into being talked to, missing the first question entirely, but shaking his head. “Y-you..dont have to.” He didn’t want to make Cian feel uncomfortable or unwanted– Matthew didn’t exactly crave his company either but he didn’t want to just hog the couch and living room space. 

“I think I’ll stay here then, if that’s okay with you,” he said softly. His heart only clenching more when Matthew curled up, wanting to just hug him and help ease his worries but knowing that it would not help.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He knew why Matthew wanted to go back. His house was completely foreign, whereas his old home was, well, home to him. Even if it was terrible.

“Of course you can stay,” he said, smiling. “You can stay as long as you’d like, okay?”

He knew he didn’t have full control over where Matthew went, but he knew that Mrs. Sharp would let him stay here for a little while, at the very least. And if she saw how comfortable he was here, then she would most likely allow him to stay longer and more permanently. The system was a little overloaded, and they both knew that.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He knew why Matthew wanted to go back. His house was completely foreign, whereas his old home was, well, home to him. Even if it was terrible.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He eyed the liquid, getting the faint scent of mint as he leaned to blow it, making sure to follow Cians instructions. He nervously tested it against his lip before taking a mouthful. Making a small face at the taste. Not, unpleasant, but the mint mixed with tea was new. Even though he wasn’t a huge fan, he nursed the cup close. Equally unsure if it would settle his stomach.

He stayed sitting beside Matthew, watching TV. It had been a while since he had sat down and watched cartoons, and even longer since he had last had someone else in his home. It was.. nice. A little awkward, but nice.

When he was caught in his glances Matthew tensed and nodded quickly. Shaking his head to the following questions. He didn’t want to waste more of Cians time with tea.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He eyed the liquid, getting the faint scent of mint as he leaned to blow it, making sure to follow Cians instructions. He nervously tested it against his lip before taking a mouthful. Making a small face at the taste. Not, unpleasant, but the mint mixed with tea was new. Even though he wasn’t a huge fan, he nursed the cup close. Equally unsure if it would settle his stomach.

He stayed sitting beside Matthew, watching TV. It had been a while since he had sat down and watched cartoons, and even longer since he had last had someone else in his home. It was.. nice. A little awkward, but nice.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He nodded once more. Feeling guilty at the tone of which Cian replied. Quickly shaking his head. It was probably his fault.. Somehow.

Matthew shaking his head made Cian shake his head in return. “No, it’s not your fault. It’s mine, and I’m going to fix it, okay?”

He pulled out his phone and googled remedies for stomach aches. Ginger and mint… he was pretty sure he had tea tucked away somewhere, since one of his friends had shoved it upon him.

“I’m going to go make you something nice and warm to drink that should help your tummy,” he told Matthew with a kind smile. “Don’t lie down, okay? That’ll make the pain worse.”

Matthew buried his face slightly with a non-committal hum. Unsure why Cian was insistent that it wasn’t his fault. Who’s else could it be?

There was possibly a mumble of okay, but Matthew nodded. Slightly scared to follow his advice at first. He waited until Cian stood and moved away to move. He stayed mostly balled up, but he rested against the back of the couch. Huddling into the blanket and pulling his legs up to his chest. It did feel.. Slightly better,not to be laying. Even if he still looked a little pale and green.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He nodded once more. Feeling guilty at the tone of which Cian replied. Quickly shaking his head. It was probably his fault.. Somehow.

Matthew shaking his head made Cian shake his head in return. “No, it’s not your fault. It’s mine, and I’m going to fix it, okay?”

He pulled out his phone and googled remedies for stomach aches. Ginger and mint... he was pretty sure he had tea tucked away somewhere, since one of his friends had shoved it upon him.

“I’m going to go make you something nice and warm to drink that should help your tummy,” he told Matthew with a kind smile. “Don’t lie down, okay? That’ll make the pain worse.”

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

His face did flicker slightly at the slight gurgle in his stomach, but it didn’t last long enough that Cian would’ve seen and wasn’t anything for him to complain about. 

The young boy hardly noticed the time passing, he’d mostly gotten absorbed in the show on the screen, the moving colours and voice.

“Matthew?” He said softly, stepping into the living room. “Are you okay?”

“Your stomach hurts?” He guessed quietly. He hadn’t even thought of preparing something lighter and less sweet for Matthew. “I’m sorry, that’s my fault.. I should have cooked you something better.”

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

His face did flicker slightly at the slight gurgle in his stomach, but it didn’t last long enough that Cian would’ve seen and wasn’t anything for him to complain about. 

The young boy hardly noticed the time passing, he’d mostly gotten absorbed in the show on the screen, the moving colours and voice.

“Matthew?” He said softly, stepping into the living room. “Are you okay?”

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

His face did flicker slightly at the slight gurgle in his stomach, but it didn’t last long enough that Cian would’ve seen and wasn’t anything for him to complain about. 

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

Taking the bear gently under his armpit and the book cuddled to his chest he wandered off to the living room, not quite sure what to to do once he was there, so, rather than taking any sort of initiative he just waited for Cian. 

He glanced around for the remote, snagging it off of the tv stand and turning the TV on. There had to be a kids’ channel somewhere.. Once he found it, he left it on, though turned the volume down so it wasn’t so intrusive.

He nodded from his new spot, looking at the other books that all looked rather similar but just as interesting. Though his gaze was caught when Cian turned on the TV, for a moment he figured it would be news or something else, and he looked over to Cian.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

Taking the bear gently under his armpit and the book cuddled to his chest he wandered off to the living room, not quite sure what to to do once he was there, so, rather than taking any sort of initiative he just waited for Cian. 

He glanced around for the remote, snagging it off of the tv stand and turning the TV on. There had to be a kids’ channel somewhere.. Once he found it, he left it on, though turned the volume down so it wasn’t so intrusive.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

“Oh..” The little sound passed his mouth was about the only clear response. He wasn’t used to being allowed much ‘fun’ a couple of books that he struggled to stay focused on enough to read all the way through, and some old toy cars were about as good as it got, rarely he could be allowed up or even see the TV when it was on.

He stood and made sure there was nothing pressing that he needed to take care of or clean up, then started down the hall. He explained the rooms as he passed, the living room, the bathroom, the spare room that was a bedroom and an office.. His place wasn’t too large, however there were a few rooms. 

Little footsteps followed behind Cian when he moved. Peering into each room if the door was open, and if not he simply nodded as he looked at the door. Everything smelt cleaned, well looked after, and some others note that Matthew could only really call ‘Cian’s house smell’.  

When they got to the room again Matthew watched Cian walk in and followed. Looking once more at the toys and shelf. Much easier to see in the light, and nodding again. He could..touch them. At the question Matt crept just a little closer, bending down to look at the few toys, not quite strewn about but laid out nicely, almost inviting to be played with. He didn’t seem to keen on the figurines and what looked to be bigger puzzles weren’t something he’d had much experience with doing. Eventually, he found the small bear on the bottom of the shelf. He looked back to Cian and nodded for further confirmation before reaching to grab it. His fingers falling into its soft fur as he stood up with it. Looking from the bear to Cian. 

He glanced down at the book Matthew had picked and nodding approvingly. “Good choice. Why don’t you head off to the living room and I’ll show you the TV?”

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

“Oh..” The little sound passed his mouth was about the only clear response. He wasn’t used to being allowed much ‘fun’ a couple of books that he struggled to stay focused on enough to read all the way through, and some old toy cars were about as good as it got, rarely he could be allowed up or even see the TV when it was on.

He stood and made sure there was nothing pressing that he needed to take care of or clean up, then started down the hall. He explained the rooms as he passed, the living room, the bathroom, the spare room that was a bedroom and an office.. His place wasn’t too large, however there were a few rooms. 

Little footsteps followed behind Cian when he moved. Peering into each room if the door was open, and if not he simply nodded as he looked at the door. Everything smelt cleaned, well looked after, and some others note that Matthew could only really call ‘Cian’s house smell’.  

When they got to the room again Matthew watched Cian walk in and followed. Looking once more at the toys and shelf. Much easier to see in the light, and nodding again. He could..touch them. At the question Matt crept just a little closer, bending down to look at the few toys, not quite strewn about but laid out nicely, almost inviting to be played with. He didn’t seem to keen on the figurines and what looked to be bigger puzzles weren’t something he’d had much experience with doing. Eventually, he found the small bear on the bottom of the shelf. He looked back to Cian and nodded for further confirmation before reaching to grab it. His fingers falling into its soft fur as he stood up with it. Looking from the bear to Cian. 

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

“Oh..” The little sound passed his mouth was about the only clear response. He wasn’t used to being allowed much ‘fun’ a couple of books that he struggled to stay focused on enough to read all the way through, and some old toy cars were about as good as it got, rarely he could be allowed up or even see the TV when it was on.

He stood and made sure there was nothing pressing that he needed to take care of or clean up, then started down the hall. He explained the rooms as he passed, the living room, the bathroom, the spare room that was a bedroom and an office.. His place wasn’t too large, however there were a few rooms. 

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

“Oh..” The little sound passed his mouth was about the only clear response. He wasn’t used to being allowed much ‘fun’ a couple of books that he struggled to stay focused on enough to read all the way through, and some old toy cars were about as good as it got, rarely he could be allowed up or even see the TV when it was on.

On the other side of the door stood a young woman, holding onto a stack of papers and glasses perched on her face professionally. She greeted Cian with a tilt of her head and a quick glance up and down. “You are-” She quickly glanced to her papers, “Cian is that correct? I’m sorry for disturbing you at such hours but the circumstances were rather serious.” 

From behind her legs, there was a pair of light green eyes, peeking from under mahogany tangled locks at the stranger who’s door they were at, clearly full of hesitance and even traces of fear.

Her hand gently nudges him forward as she steps aside. 

“This is Matthew, he’ll be staying with you until we assess the situation. We aren’t sure how long that may be but if things do get too overwhelming you have our information.”

He seemed shorter then one would expect for an eight and a half-year-old, skin paler than most and signs of bruising on his cheek. He was wearing a faded red shirt under a not so warm jacket that seemed too big, and grey sleep pants that looked more like a tripping hazard. He didn’t say hello, his eyes darting away, fingers fiddling with his sleeve. 

“You’ll also need these.” She holds out the folder from her arms. “These are all the current records we’ve found that you may need to get to know him and assist with any fees, and if all goes accordingly you will be receiving benefits in the next few weeks for being his carer. That is if you decide to remain to be so after tonight.” 

He shook his head at first. The food was wonderful, in fact he had a little buzz from the sugar, which may or may not of been helping him. After a second of debate he looks to the sink, and then points to it. Wincing as if ready to be yelled at for not saying something and being somewhat vague.

His eyebrows rose when he heard Matthew speak, then his entire expression softened. Had Matthew thought he was expecting him to clean up? That only added to the list of reasons why he hated Matthew’s previous foster home.