Gender neutral.

---

The child was so sweet. Lovely.

He had saved them from a dark place, the child grateful. So grateful, intact, that they had basically imprinted on him.

He'd sit up straight, they're sitting up as straight as their little back would allow.

He'd cross his legs, they'd cross their legs, little ankle high up on their knee.

It was endearing, cute, until it started to get concerning.

They started to.. change. They stood up straight, never slouched, never raised their voice or yell, never let themselves be a kid.

And he couldn't have that.

One day, he watches them busy themselves at the table, forcing themselves to sit up straight and keep their eyes wide as they waited for their plate of breakfast.

Tired.

"Lovely,"

He calls out to them gently, trying to catch their attention.

"Lovely, sweetheart,"