Disclaimer: I do not own DDS. Sadly.

Hades, his white hair standing out starkly against the dark of the room, turned to look at the eleven-year old before him. His grandson. Blue bangs framing the pale heart-shaped face, dark inquisitive eyes straining to see him by the light from the small window. Freshly graduated from elementary school, top of the grade. He hadn't even changed out of his school uniform.

Hades finally acknowledged the boy's presence. "Ryu-kun."

The boy's face brightened. "Oji-san! Genki-desu?"

"Hai, Genki-desu." Hades responded. He sank into his customary armchair. How was he to tell Ryu the news? He would probably take it well; the boy always took news well. But such drastic change…for the first time since he took up his reign as head of Meiousei, Hades wondered if he was making the correct decision, in allowing him to go…

But perhaps the exposure would be good for him. He would be able to cope easily, that was no problem. Ryu was bright-exceptionally bright. The syllabus would pose no problem for him. But what if he came back with all the wrong American ideals? What if he changed, through exposure to the Americans? What if…

Hades shook his head. Baka! Ryu would be perfectly fine in America.

"Oji-san?" Ryu cocked his head questioningly at his grandfather, deep in contemplation.

Hades took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"Ryu-kun…" he began. "I have decided…to send you to America."

"Oji-san?" Ryu stared in shock. "America! Tou-ii desu ne…"

"Yes, I know it's far." Hades sighed. "But the exposure will be good for you. Get you away from Tokyo for a while. You need to know a world outside Japan, Ryu-kun."

"Hai, Oji-san." Ryu nodded obediently.

"Miss Yurie will accompany you," Hades continued. "Begin packing; your plane leaves in two days. Miss Yurie will tell you what to pack."

"Hai."

"You will attend a normal middle-school there, and you shall have to learn English there. No more tutors for you. You understand?"

"Hai."

Hades stood again. "I won't see you again for a very long time, Ryu. Two years, three years even. Take care of yourself."

"Hai."

Hades sank into his chair and swiveled it away from the door. He could hear the light footsteps pattering away. Then…they returned.

Oomph!

The eleven-year old embraced him tightly, then slowly stepped back, hesitating, as if awaiting some sort of punishment for this frivolity. Hades' eyes widened. He was completely taken aback, and simultaneously rendered speechless. He and Ryu-kun had never shown any form of emotions towards each other. And now here was the boy hugging him.

When no fits of rage ensued, Ryu silently slipped away. "Sayonara, Oji-san…"

Hades stared after the retreating figure.

"I'll miss you."

Author's Note: So tell me, did that really suck, or what? Yes, i know Hades is so OOC. Grr. Should i expand this fic? Flames are accepted, just REVIEW! Swings Pluto watch at readers You will review...