-Oh... Who are you ? Come closer !
The kid reluctantly took a step forward. He looked at his feet. Nothing could have forced him to raise his head. The man sighed, crouched down, and tried to show him his empty hands. He thought that he was treating the kid like a frightened animal...
-Look at me, please. I am sure that you are a very brave little boy...
The kid nodded, still looking at his man noticed at his horror that the boy was barefoot, on the icy tiles. He peeked around and grabbed an old blanket. He turned to hold it out to the kid. The boy had already stepped back in the safe darkness. The man spread the blanket on the floor.
-Come back, please. I won't hurt you. You must be cold. Look, you'll be warmer. Come on here.
The kid took again a step forward, then another. He tested the blanket with his toes, as if it was a dreadful trap. Apparently satisfied, he settled himself on it. But he was still looking at his feet.
The man saw the shivering shoulders.
-Look at me. I'll let my jacket here. You are going to put it on you. I won't hurt you. I promise.
The man put his jacket on the floor and stepped back. The kid didn't move. He was still looking at his feet. The man sighed.
-What's your name ?
The kid ducked his head behind his arms.
-I won't hurt you. Please, look at me...
The kid, still hidden behind his arms, shook his head. The man hesitated, stepped forward and gently tried to caress the boy's forehead with his fingers. The child shook like a leaf, fell on his knees, and curled himself in a ball.
Another man came in and stared at them. Napoleon Solo motioned his partner to stop.
-The kid is terrified. I need time, Illya. You should wait out...
The blond man came up to the kid. He stretched his hand and spoke, softly but firmly.
-Come with me.
Napoleon Solo gaped at the scene. The little boy slowly uncrossed his arms, and... raised his head. Pale green eyes looked at the man who stood above him, at the inviting hand. He slowly stretched his own arm, slid his own little hand in the man's one, and squeezed it. The second after, the kid was snuggled up to Illya Kuryakyn. One hour later, he was soundly asleep in the car, still clinging to the Russian's shoulders.
Napoleon Solo looked at his partner in the rear-vision mirror. He was amazed. Puzzled. Appalled. Taken aback. Illya Kuryakyn crossed his glaze and whispered.
-I have been this boy, Napoleon. He needed your strength first, more than anything else.