[ACE] Devil's duty

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek chuckled. "Mm...think of it as different, not wrong. And there's nothing wrong with different." He wrinkled his nose, then rose an eyebrow. "well, you want to look at another book, then?"

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

"No, that's okay.. Parish told me I could go to the library and find easier books." He said quietly, running his fingers over the spine of the book next to him. He knew he was going to want to finish it. He just wasn't sure he wanted to ask Derek for the help.

[derek chandler ralston]

"Alright," Derek murmured, wondering where Chantel had wandered off to. He drew in a slow breath and looked around quietly, figuring if she was in a better mood, they could all go do something.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

Ace laid back against the couch, picking the book up again. He read it over slowly, chewing on his lip before he held it out to Derek. "What's that word?" He asked, not able to break 'bandersnatch' up into a real word because it wasn't.

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek lifted his head, glancing over at Ace then looking down at the book where he was pointing. "Bandersnatch," He offered softly, raising an eyebrow. "I've never read this book." He shrugged some, watching him quietly.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

"It's good. Probably better if you can see colors and can imagine wonderland in color." He said quietly, slowly reading over the rest of the page before he turned it and started reading again.

[derek chandler ralston]

"Hey," He murmured. "Don't be so hard on yourself." He rubbed his back absently and watching him read, lingering just in case he needed help with anymore words. Eyes looked around the house again quietly, wondering exactly how long staying here, would be too long. If he would have to rent an apartment or not. He needed to sign over that truck, though, now that there were three of them.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

"It's cold in here.." Ace mumbled, moving so he was curled up at Derek's side. But it wasn't long before he was so into his book that he laid his head on Derek's shoulder, holding his book near his chest.

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek was surprised when to curled up against him of his own accord, continuing to run a hand gently over his back. He was utterly shocked however, when Ace rested his head on his shoulder. A faint breath passed his lips and he closed his eyes, just thinking, but always ready to offer help if Ace needed it.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

Ace turned the page, reading slowly until he finished the chapter. He looked over at Derek, then back down at his book.

"Me and Chantel are leaving for work. Is he sick?" Parish asked, obviously confused why he was curled up against him. Ace looked up to see the two girls standing in the doorway, and held his book closer. "Is it good?"

He nodded, and she walked to the shelf, handing him the second book before she took Chantel outside.

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek glanced up, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Alright, have fun Chantel," He smiled at her, before glancing at the books Ace had. He was tempted to reach for the TV remote, but didn't want to startle him and have him move. Derek was almost surprised by how happy he felt with the boy curled against him.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

"Bye." She said, waving to Derek before she left with Parish. Ace resumed his curled up position trying to stay warm before he decided he might as well go and lay in bed so he could cover up. He got up carefully, picking up his book before he started up to his room.

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek bit his lip carefully, figuring it was at least progress. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV, was used to being alone, more often in the bar or the woods, but still. He wasn't terribly bothered by it, just..lonely. Chantel was good company, but she wasn't the kind of company he always needed, either. A lone wolf at heart, he supposed. And yet...it was better than falling in love.

[aerin 'ace' colt endsley]

Ace was done with the book before long, and walked down the stairs to put it back on the shelf. He looked over at Derek, then at the TV. He felt bad, knowing he'd curled up against him, that he'd bothered him. "What are you watching?" He asked quietly, sitting down next to him.

[derek chandler ralston]

Derek glanced up quietly, sipping at yet another beer. He rarely drank enough to get drunk, it was just a taste that he preferred. "Old Dracula movie," He murmured, always amused by the 'myths' people believed. If only they knew. He smiled at him. "Enjoy your book?"