War of the Worlds - [Halloween Challenge] Little Man

War of the Worlds

[Halloween Challenge] Little Man

By Kay De'Vil.

Title: Little man

Author: Kay De'Vil

Rating: PG

Archive: The Advocacy & Santuario

Fandom: War of the Worlds

Warning: (Post WOTW) A view into Paul's childhood one Halloween

Summary: A vague attempt at answering my own challenge. :?) The following things had to be used in the story to meet the challenge: 1) A stripper 2) Jell-O (Jelly) 3) A rabbit's foot 4) Dancing Aliens 5) Main Character in an embarrassing position 6) A Pumpkin

Disclaimer: These characters don't belong to me and I don't intend to make any money with them. There are no intentions to infringe the rights of the legal owners.

[Halloween Challenge] Little Man

By Kay De'Vil.

Young Paul Ironhorse could hardly contain his excitement, it was almost Halloween and his grandfather had promised to take him out trick or treating this year. He had been too young last year having only been four, but now that he was five his grandfather had said he was grown up enough to join the other children in the festivities.

The reservation council had organised a dance for the children once they had been around the town gathering their treats from the local residence and it was this that excited Paul greatest.

He had finally plucked up the courage to ask Alley Little Horse to the dance with him, and to his surprise she had agreed to go with him. She was a year older than he was and so much wiser to the ways of the world that he was in ore of her.

Running across the street to the house he shared with his grandfather he waved excitedly. Bounding up the steps leading up to the house he questioned "Is it time to get ready yet?" Paul stopped in front of his grandfather who was sat on the porch in his rocking chair. Bouncing excitedly on the balls of his feet, his dishevelled jet-black hair sticking up virtually on end, Paul waved his hands around excitedly

"Not yet young one. I'll call you when it's time" replied his grandfather with a smile as he rocked in the chair

"How much longer?" questioned Paul a slight hint of a whine in his tone as he continued to bounce

His grandfather looked at him with a raised eyebrow, silently warning him that if he continued to whine he wouldn't be going. He knew that Paul was excited about the dance, and despite the fact Paul hadn't told him about his date with Alley he had heard about it from the women of the town.

A smile came to his face as he questioned "Why the hurry Paul?"

Paul scuffed his shoes on the wooden decking his eyes looking down at the mark he had made on the dust covered planks "No reason" he replied.

"Oh, then I guess it has nothing to do with Alley Little Horse then?" commented Paul's grandfather

Paul looked up at his grandfather shock upon his face, but it was only there for a moment, even though he was just five Paul had quickly learned to hide his emotions from the adults around him.

"Paul are you coming in to carve these pumpkins?" his grandmother's voice drifted out to him from the kitchen

"Coming Nana" he shouted back

Paul's grandfather could see that the little boy was bursting with youthful excitement to partake in the holiday festivities but respect demanded that he wait until his grandfather gave him permission to leave.

Tousling the little boy's hair he stated "You'd better get in there before she starts without you"

Paul smiled and only after a moment's hesitation threw himself into his grandfathers waiting arms and hugged him tightly. After drawing back again he turned and pulled open the shutter and bolted into the house to help his grandmother with the pumpkins.

Entering the kitchen he stood watching as his grandmother prepared the base for the pumpkin pies, standing by the table he waited for her to finish what she was doing. His eyes moved to the two pumpkins sat upon the table waiting for him, the smaller of the two was his, the other was for her grandmother to carve.

As quietly as a mouse he pulled out one of the wooden kitchen chairs and sat down, patiently waiting for his grandmother to finish.

With the pumpkin pie bases in the oven she finally joined him at the table, pulling up a chair opposite him "Ready Paul?" she questioned her gentle voice echoing through the kitchen.

He nodded his hands folded upon the table his eyes locked upon the small pumpkin.

Smiling his grandmother picked up the knife and drew the pumpkin towards her. "I'll cut the top and you can start scooping out the inside's ready for the pie's" she explained as she pierced the skin of the pumpkin and began to cut a large circle in the top around the stem of the pumpkin.

Paul sat patiently waiting, a smile spread across his face as he saw his grandmother remove the top of the pumpkin and finally push it towards him. She stood and placed a bowl at his side then handed him a large spoon "OK Paul. When you've emptied the pumpkin we can cut a face into it, but your not to try until I say so and I'm here to watch you. Understand?"

"Yes Nana" he replied nodding, his small fingers closing around the spoon and raising it towards the top of the pumpkin. He stopped for a moment and considered the best way to tackle the task "Nana?"

"Yes honey?" she questioned looking up from cutting the top off the other larger pumpkin

"I can't reach" he replied demonstrating the awkward angle he had to hold the spoon just to reach the top of the pumpkin.

His grandmother smiled and moved to stand behind him "OK, honey put your spoon down for a moment and just this once I'll let you kneel on the chair, but be careful we don't want you falling and missing your date with Alley"

"Nana" he whined "It's not a date!" he added as he set down the spoon and scrambled to kneel on the chair.

His grandmother smiled and shook her head "What ever you say Paul" she watched him reposition himself on the chair "Alright now?"

"Yes Nana" he replied once again picking up the spoon and beginning to scoop out the insides of the pumpkin.

*************************************

An hour later and Paul had finished emptying the centre of the pumpkin and knelt patiently waiting for his grandmother to finished her own pumpkin. Standing she took Paul's now over filled bowl of pumpkin mush with her to the counter and began to prepare it for putting in the pies.

"We can carve the pumpkins in a minute Paul, why don't you go see what your grandfather is doing" she suggested knowing how difficult it was to keep a five year olds attention for two long, despite Paul's patient nature, he like other children his age grew bored very quickly.

"OK Nana, call me when it's time to carve them" he replied as he carefully eased off the chair, after pushing it back under the table he ran out of the kitchen in search of his grandfather.

As he ran through the front room towards the front door he could hear his grandfather speaking with someone. Slowly his pace he carefully opened the front door and pushed open the shutter, peeking around the doorframe to see whom his grandfather was talking too.

Chewing on his bottom lip he watched as his grandfather talked with the other members of the tribal council. They where all nice men but something about them made Paul nervous, perhaps it was their age, he had always been brought up to be respectful to his elders. Perhaps it was their title 'Council Elders' he wasn't really sure, but he was sure that he didn't want to do anything to annoy them. After all these where the men who had arranged the dance tonight and the last thing he wanted to do was say or do something that would upset them and make them cancel the dance.

"Come out and say hello Paul" instructed his grandfather spotting him just inside the door.

Shyly Paul slipped out of the door into the hot midday sun to stand at his grandfather's side, hidden slightly behind his grandfather's legs he looked up at the tall men with white hair and dark olive skin. "Hello sir's" he said shyly staying behind his grandfather

"That's what I like about your Paul, Jacob he's such a polite boy unlike a lot of the other children here" commented the eldest of the group of four men

Pleased with the praise Paul moved a little further out from behind his grandfather's legs, and smiled up at his grandfather when he placed a hand on his head.

His grandfather smiled down at him and ruffled his hair again "He's a good boy" stated his grandfather

"Shame about his father" commented one of the elders shaking his head "Have you heard from your Rachel lately?"

Shaking his head Paul's grandfather's smiled vanished, to be replaced by an expression of sorrow "Not a word"

The youngest of the tribal elders squatted down in front of Paul and smiled "Looking forward to tonight young man?" he questioned

Paul nodded and smiled "Yes sir, grandfather is taking me trick or treating tonight because I'm five, not four anymore. I can go trick or treating now that I'm five" his smile grew into a grin "I'm going to the dance as well" he added with pride

"Are you now, I bet that's going to be fun. Are you taking anyone with you, a girl?" he questioned elating chuckles from Paul's grandfather and the other tribal elders.

Nodding Paul smiled "Alley Little Horse is going with me, she's six. She knows all about all stuff, she's great" he replied

"Does she now" the elder reached out and placed his hand upon Paul's shoulder "Just remember son, you should always treat a lady with respect"

Paul looked confused but nodded his agreement; his eyes drifting up to his grandfather who usually explained things that confused the little five-year old.

The white rabbit's foot hung on suede from the man's belt cause young Paul's attention and he automatically reached out a hand to touch it. Realising what he was doing he quickly withdrew his hand and looked up at the elder apologetically.

The elder smiled and removed the rabbit's foot from his belt and held it out to Paul, but the little boy didn't take it until his grandfather told him to. As he held the small rabbit's foot in his hand he brushed his thumb over the soft fur; the texture of the fur was so soft it captivated his attention.

"Paul it's time to carve the pumpkin's" called his grandmother.

Paul started to go back into the house but stopped and handed back the rabbit's foot then he looked up at the men stood talking with his grandfather awaiting permission to leave. "May I be excused grandfather? Nana wants me"

"Say goodbye to the gentlemen before you leave" instructed his grandfather with a nod.

Paul moved to stand before his grandfather and before the tribal elders and in his best voice said his goodbyes to the men "Bye sir's"

"Bye Paul, we'll see you at the dance tonight" stated the elder with a nod of his head.

Paul smiled and nodded then headed inside to join his grandmother in the kitchen to carve the pumpkins.

Paul's grandmother handed him the short knife he would use to carve, he placed the knife upon the table and waited for his grandmother to join him and instruct him on how to carve a face into the pumpkin.

She watched him closely as he pushed the knife into the skin of the pumpkin and started to cut out the shape of an eye, it was slightly lopsided when he had finished but to him it was perfect. Smiling she watched as he again inserted the knife and began to work on the second eye, then moved on to the nose and the mouth, cutting jagged teeth into the pumpkin skin to create a scary face.

When he had finally finished and had cleared away the pieces of pumpkin he had cut out he sat back and looked at the face he had carved and then turned and smiled broadly at his grandmother, awaiting her approval.

Smiling his grandmother nodded her approval "It's the scariest pumpkin I've ever seen Paul" she stated shivering for effect as she looked at it.

Brimming with pride he took got off the chair and picked up the pumpkin off the table, it filled his arms and he had to fight to keep a firm grip on it "I'm gonna show grandfather" he stated

"That's a very good idea Paul, just be careful you wouldn't want to drop it. Are you sure you wouldn't like me to carry it for you?" she questioned moved towards him

Paul turned away from her keeping his prize from her outstretched hands "No Nana, I'm a big boy I can do it" he stated turning and carefully carrying the pumpkin through the house towards the porch where his grandfather sat.

Carefully pushing the door and shutter open with his backside he smiled as he turned to show his grandfather the pumpkin the older man was sat looking out across the town reflectively.

For a moment Paul's smile waned as he took in his grandfathers expression and wondered if he should disturb him, he was about to turn and go back inside when his grandfather turned to look at him.

"What have you got their Paul?" he questioned sitting forward in his rocking chair "What a scary pumpkin, did you carve it?"

Paul beamed under the praise and nodded enthusiastically "Nana watched me to make sure I didn't hurt myself but I carved it... All on my own"

"That's very good Paul, now lets take it back inside, it's time for you to get ready for going out trick or treating" as he spoke Paul's grandfather rose to his feet and moved over to him. Paul carefully handed the pumpkin over to his grandfather and preceded him back into the house, where his grandmother was already laying out his costume.

Paul sat down on the couch and watched as his grandfather placed his carved pumpkin into the window.

"Now young one, we need to get a candle to burn inside so we can scare off all the ghosts and ghouls" commented his grandfather as he moved over to the bureau in the corner of the room.

Paul remained seated on the couch knowing full well that he wasn't allowed to touch candles or matches, those where adult things and he was a child. He watched in silent anticipation as his grandfather located a box of matches and a short 4" long burning candle.

His grandfather turned the pumpkin so it was facing into the room as he secured the candle inside the pumpkin then struck a match and lit it. Paul held his breath as he watched the flames light flicker as it was lowered towards the candle within the pumpkin.

A moment later the match was blown out and Paul's grandfather stepped back allowing him to see the eerie orange glow from the pumpkin, the flame flickering within.

Wide-eyed Paul grinned at his grandfather "It's beautiful" he commented slowly rising from the couch and moving towards the pumpkin to get a better look. Squatting down in front of it he kept his distance so as not to be burned and watched as the flame danced inside the pumpkin, his breath causing it to flicker even more than it had been.

Smiling up at his grandfather he stood up and turned to his grandmother who had just entered with the second pumpkin "Look Nana!" he pointed to his lit pumpkin and bounced excitedly

"It looks great Paul, now run up stairs and get changed" she instructed as she carried the second pumpkin over for his grandfather to light.

************************************

An hour later Paul came racing down the stairs dressed in his Halloween costume, he slowed his pace as he reached the bottom and found his grandparents sat waiting for him. Grinning he straightened his tunic and slipped the plastic dagger into place then stood up straight for his parents to inspect him.

Moving to stand before his grandparents who where sat on the couch he fidgeted for a moment making sure everything was just right, before standing ramrod straight his hands at his sides ready for inspection.

Paul's grandfather shook his head and smiled "Very handsome, turn around so we can get a better look" he suggested smiling at his wife. Paul did as requested and slowly turned in a circle only stopping when he was once again facing his parents.

The green fabric of his tights itched and Paul had to fight hard to stand still, but the tunic was soft against his skin and the hat and dagger where in his opinion the greatest things he had ever seen. The pointed toe boots however, they where a totally different matter but he knew he needed them to make the costume.

"You'll be the handsomest Peter Pan at the dance" stated his grandmother with a grin as she held her arms out to him.

Without a moments hesitation Paul threw himself into his grandmothers arms and hugged her tightly "Thank you Nana and Grandpa" as he spoke he reached out his right arm pulling his grandfather into the hug.

His grandparents smiled at each other over his head neither regretted their decision to bring Paul into their lives. The thought of this wonderful child ending up in a state run institution again was more than they could bear. Patting Paul on the back his grandfather kissed his grandson on the side of the head "You ready to go collect your date?" he questioned laughter lacing his voice knowing how Paul would react.

Paul pulled away and affixed his grandfather with a serious expression, his arms crossed over his chest, his little plastic dagger sticking out "Grandpa it's not a date!" he objected

"Whatever you say Paul" replied his grandfather laughing

"Don't be teasing him Pa, if Paul say's its not a date, then its not a date" stated Nana lightly hitting her husbands arm as she came to her now slightly upset grandson's defence "Now go get ready" she ordered

Paul's grandfather got to his feet and winked at Paul letting the young boy know that he had only been kidding him. Paul grinned back and immediately jumped onto the couch filling the space he had just vacated. Paul's grandfather stood for a moment looking at his grandson snuggled up to his grandmother and smiled before heading into the hall to get his shoes on.

When he returned Paul was stood ready and waiting for him, he could see the barely contained excitement within the child and found himself smiling. It was nice having Paul with them, he made them feel young again.

Extending his hand to Paul he waited until the boy had taken it then looked down at him "Before we go out Paul I want to discuss the ground rules."

Paul didn't say anything he just nodded and waited for the rules to be explained. Smiling at him his grandfather explained the rules "OK, number 1 when we are crossing the streets you keep a tight hold of my hand" again Paul nodded "Number 2 no running off where I can't see you." Yet again Paul nodded "Number 3 under no circumstance do you go off with a stranger."

Paul was bouncing impatiently waiting for his grandfather to finish the rules so he could go out and join the other children trick or treating "And finally number 4" his grandfather paused giving Paul the impression that this was a very serious rule, one he should pay great attention too. "You have fun" finished his grandfather smiling. Paul grinned and nodded emphatically "I will grandpa" he reassured.

With the rules set firmly in Paul's mind he waved goodbye to his grandmother and followed his grandfather out of the house. The sight of the other children moving up and down the streets dressed in costume increased his excitement and he fought the urge to pull on his grandfathers hand to hurry him along.

*************************************

After two hours of trick or treating Paul's little wicker basket was over flowing with candy and his heart was over flowing with pride at all the complements he had received not only for his costume but for his manors.

With his hand clasped tightly around his grandfathers they made their way down the street to the community centre where the Halloween party was being held. He had not seen Alley yet but wasn't really bothered anymore, after all no matter how smart she was, she was just a girl and despite asking her to the dance he still held the firm belief that girls where yucky.

Outside the entrance to the community centre they once again met the tribal elders who where stood outside gathering the children's candy so that it would not be lost or stolen at the dance.

Without complaint Paul handed over his basket of candy to the elder with the rabbits foot and smiled up at him "Thank you" Paul said his eyes wondering towards the door to the community centre where he could see several other children playing

"Why don't you go inside Paul, I'll stay out here and you can come get me when you're finished" suggested his grandfather seeing the anticipation in the little boys face.

Paul smiled and waved to the elders before running inside to join the party, which was already in full swing. As he entered the hall where the music was playing he could see a table on the other side of the room covered with food. Glancing around he searched for any signs of other Peter Pan's in the group and was pleased to see that he was the only one, what he did spot however brought a smile to his face. In the far corner stood talking to some of the other kids was Johnny Eagle, his best friend, dressed as Captain Hook.

Drawing his dagger Paul made his way through the crowd; sneaking up on Johnny he stuck the toy dagger into Johnny's back and exclaimed, "We meet again Captain Hook!"

Johnny turned and grinned at Paul before drawing his own plastic dagger and the two boys engaged in a mock dagger fight. Eventually as in all the times Paul had seen 'Peter Pan' he vanquished Captain Hook, with Johnny falling to the floor clutching his chest as though having suffered a fatal blow from Paul's plastic dagger.

The two boys laughed as they stood talking each watching the others at the dance trying to decide what exactly it was they where supposed to be doing. The sight of three of the girls all dressed up as Roswel Aliens and dancing in what to them appeared to be jerky strange convulsive movements elated laughter from them.

As Johnny was two years older than Paul was, he had attended the dance before and so lead the way, guiding Paul around the decorated room towards the soft drinks and food.

"Hey Johnny, what you doing with that half-breed?" demanded one of the older kids as he pushed Paul to one side, getting between the two boys.

The words weren't new to Paul but they still hurt, he glanced at Johnny afraid that the older boy's words would end his friendship with him as they had so many times before. But Johnny was different, he just raised himself to his full height and glared at Tommy Sparrow and his cohorts "You aren't gonna chose my friends for me Tommy, I'll be friends with whoever I want" stated Johnny not intimidated by the fourteen year olds size.

Realising he wasn't going to get anywhere with Johnny, Tommy turned to face Paul. He looked down at him and sneered "What are you doing here anyway, this dance is for members of the tribe. You're not one of us, you're some white woman's reject" he stated

Paul could feel the tears burning in his eyes but he refused to give Tommy the satisfaction instead he took his lead from Johnny and pulled him self up to his full height and glared at the older boy. "So what's your reason for being here if this is for members of the tribe. That usually means being human doesn't it?" he questioned elating a chorus of 'Ooh's' from the children who had gathered around them as though sensing a fight.

Paul could see that Johnny was grinning, making clear his approval from behind Tommy.

It took a moment for Tommy to realise he had been insulted "Shut up half-breed. My dad says your mom was a stripper a hooker who stood on street corners." Tommy grinned at the other kids "I heard she was a cheap whore!"

Paul wasn't exactly sure what 'cheap whore' meant but from the reactions of the older boys he knew it had been an insult to his mother, and that wasn't something he would stand for.

Eric Eagle, Johnny's older brother pushed his way through the gathered children to find out what was going on, he was almost sixteen and to many of the younger boys Paul included he was quiet a hero. He was one of the few boys in the town to have been out in the desert performing the rite of passage.

"What's going on?" demanded Eric glaring at Tommy instinctively knowing that whatever was going on the fourteen year old was at the centre of it.

"Nothing Eric" replied Tommy, he like many of the bullies within the town where afraid of Eric

"Don't look like nothing to me" commented Eric turning to ask his brother. He stopped when he spotted movement from behind him.

Turning he was both shocked and pleased to see Paul slamming a paper plate of green Jell-O into Tommy's face, he could see the anger in Paul's eyes and suspected something had been said about the five year olds mixed heritage.

Seconds after the Jell-O had hit Tommy in the face his friends where grabbing food from the table and a huge food fight started. Boys and girls ducked for cover as two rows of children where formed, those behind Tommy and those who had suffered under his abuse and now saw the opportunity to get some payback on the bully.

Food flew across the hall as each group used the tables of food as weapons, again and again Tommy and his friends where hit with flying pies, cream cakes and Jell-O until finally the tribal elders entered the room.

The screams and shouts from inside the hall had caught the adult's attention and brought them in to see what was happening. They stood in the door watching in shock as the food flew across the room at the two groups of children. "WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE!" demanded the eldest of the tribal elders

Everything stopped within a heartbeat and all eyes turned to look at the adults; children hidden behind the decorations saw their opportunity to come out from cover.

Paul stood with cream on his face and in his hair looking at his grandfather who was looking at him disapprovingly, biting his bottom lip Paul stepped out from his cover and dropped the pumpkin pie he had been holding.

"Who started this?" demanded Paul's grandfather looking at the assembled group of children.

Paul could feel the tears burning in his eyes, he had started the fight and it was his place to step forward and take the blame but he couldn't help but be upset at having let his grandfather down. Stepping forward to stand before the elders he looked down at his pointed toe boots as he stated "I did."

Muttered whispered could be heard from the other children, some commented on Paul's life expectancy while others commented on his bravery at stepping forward.

For a fleeting moment Paul risked looking up at his grandfather but as soon as he did he regretted it, the disappointment he saw in the man's eyes cut him deeply and the tears he had been fighting to hold back escaped to roll down his cheeks.

"Paul may have thrown the first Jell-O but he didn't start it" stated a familiar voice from behind Paul, who felt a warm hand come to rest upon his shoulder. Looking up he was surprised to find Eric stood at his side.

"Tommy Sparrow made some very insulting comments about Paul's mother" explained Eric knowing as he had passed his right of passage that the elders would listen to him as an adult.

"Is this true Paul?" questioned the elder with the rabbit's foot.

With his head still bowed Paul nodded trying desperately not to sob in front of Tommy and the other children, it was bad enough to be called half-breed he wasn't sure he would be able to coup with being called a baby as well.

Paul could hear the elders whispering amongst them selves then he felt another hand come to rest upon his shoulder, slowly he raised his head and looked up to see his grandfather looking down at him. The expression of disapproval had gone to be replaced with one of sympathy.

"Come on Paul I think it's time we went home" stated Paul's grandfather

Silently Paul nodded his agreement and with a heavy sigh waved goodbye to Johnny and Eric before following his grandfather towards the exit.

As he reached the door however he spotted Alley stood in a fairy princess costume at her fathers side. As he reached her she stepped forward blocking his path "Paul?" she questioned looking from him to his grandfather who nodded that it was all right to speak with him and moved to stand beside Alley's father.

Paul blushed as Alley reached up and whipped some of the cream of his face; he turned bright red when she licked the cream from her fingers "Yummy, cream pie. My favourite."

He smiled at her "I've got to go home" he said by way of an explanation

"I heard you got Tommy Sparrow?" she questioned grinning at him "It's about time someone took him down

"Yeah I got him in the face with a bowl of Jell-O" replied Paul bouncing with excitement at her apparent approval of his behaviour "Then there was this great big food fight. It was great, Tommy and his gang ended up covered in Jell-O and cream pie"

"Man I'm sorry I missed it" she sighed and shook her head.

Paul nodded his agreement "You would have loved it"

She smiled at him, then to his shock and embarrassment she pulled him to her, wrapped her arms around him and kissed his squarely on the lips. He struggled trying to pull back, his face red as a beetroot struggling against her as he heard the two adults stood to one side laughing.

Breaking free of her grasp Paul looked at her wide eyed then noticing the laughter not only coming from the adults but also from several of the children stood outside. He looked at his grandfather then bolted for home.

The End

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