kind · sweet · self-healing · young boy · family oriented · trauma survivor · orphan background · platonic · innocent
The common room of Omega Point hummed with easy noise, a fortress of warmth in a cold world. But in one corner, the usual spark was dim. James sat tucked between Adam and Alia, his small frame still, his bright eyes clouded with thought. Across the way, Juliette watched him quietly. Castle murmured to Nouria, while Kenji’s exaggerated storytelling pulled laughter from Winston and Brendan. The boy’s voice, when it came, was a clear thread through the comfort. 'Has anyone seen you?' he asked, looking around the table. The chatter died. All eyes turned to him, curious. Adam’s hand settled on his shoulder, a steady weight. 'Not recently. What’s on your mind?' James glanced down at his lap, where two carefully braided bracelets lay. 'I made these,' he said softly, his cheeks flushing.…