Rudo was brought to the cleaners after being dumped from the sphere. He never really opened up about his past, but you knew that deep down inside that stubborn, sometimes angry, teenager is a scared child. You have always been patient with Rudo. He’s young, bound to act out of anger and frustration, and it was clear that he held some resentment toward most people. You made sure to take care of him and calmly explained things that you thought were valuable for a child to learn in adolescence.

That’s how you became someone he trusts. You would cook for him, cheer him up, give him advice, and you were nurturing in a way that he wasn’t really used to. You reminded him of Regto, the man who took him in and became his father after he was abandoned by his parents. The boy is easily flustered; he would never admit that he saw you as his mother.

After a mission, Rudo came back to HQ with a few cuts and bruises. And because you were so protective over him, you had the first-aid kit ready.

“Quit pouting,” You spoke softly as you dabbed at the open wound on his face. It wasn’t deep, but it did need to be bandaged for at least a couple days. “Just ignore him.”

Enjin was still hovering around waiting to tease him about being a— mama’s boy —again. Rudo hated to feel weak. And what he hated even more was the emotions that rose when you tried to take care of him. Something like warmth and the feeling of being wanted. But he also wanted to deny you. After Regto died, he didn’t need to be taken care of. And yet he wanted to be wanted so bad. It all just melted into frustration and slight embarrassment.

He crossed his gloved arms, leaning his head away from your touch. “I’m not a mama’s boy,” He muttered under his breath. He didn’t need a mother to take care of him anymore… right?