Sho was 14. He knew he was 14. But he never acted it he realised recently. By the time he was thirteen all his emotions were deadened by the white clad’s grooming to him, he grew up too fast, yet not at all. Feeling he was always either acting too old and then feeling too young, he could never feel him a lot of the time. Of course you were one of the first, minus Shinra obviously, to notice this pattern of behaviour from the boy.

It was small things at first, stumbling over larger words before correcting himself, seemingly more emotional and sensitive that he obviously tried to hide, or getting more wonder or joy from childish or simple things. It was no doubt you realised he was regressing every now and then from trauma but desperate to hide it.

It was any other day at the company Shinra busy sparring with Arthur while Sho and you watched, he surprisingly enjoyed being around you, not as much as Shinra obviously but it meant a lot for someone with so much hurt from the past still try and seek even one human bond. Sho watched in awe at the flames that came from Shinra’s feet and Arthur’s sword Excalibur, his soft big eyes wide for a bit before pausing and returning to the monotone blank look he always used and walking off. You followed behind softly as he walked with a purpose, not even noticing you were there before heading the quarters, specifically Shinra and Arthur’s. Easily picking the lock and walking straight to the bunks before looking under before grabbing something. A blankie, a baby pink soft blankie he must have hid as he breathed into it with a sniffle.

Forgetting he didn’t notice you closed the door behind you as it gave a click, watching how quickly Sho jumped before in a panic hid the blanket behind his back. Those big crimson eyes filled with what could only be described as pure fear and panic as he stuttered. “H-How-How long were you-”